COVID-19 hospitalizations in Northwest Arkansas remain steadily low

NWA hospitals have had a combined total of 15 or fewer COVID-19 patients at one time for the past four weeks, according to a statement from Martine Pollard, Mercy Health spokesperson, on behalf of all the region's hospitals.

• Hospitals had a total of 10 coronavirus patients as of Wednesday, according to Pollard.

Why it matters: Hospitalizations are one measure of the threat of the virus. Consistently fewer hospitalizations means fewer people are getting critically ill and/or dying from the virus.

• The lower numbers are also a relief for staff.

What they're saying:

"With the consistent lower inpatient COVID-19 numbers and the COVID-19 vaccine now being widely available to all Arkansans 12 years and older, we are hopeful that the end of the pandemic is drawing near."

Flashback: The region hit its record in January with 140 COVID-19 patients in NWA hospitals.

Of note: Benton County had 126 active cases as of Thursday, including 84 confirmed cases and 42 probable cases. Washington County had 94 active cases, including 62 confirmed cases and 32 probable cases, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.

• In Benton and Washington counties, about 34% of people are fully vaccinated and 9% of people are partially vaccinated, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.