Rep. Milton Nicks diagnosed with COVID-19

Local state representative dealing with COVID-19

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

COVID-19 has struck the State House again. Twenty state legislators tested positive for COVID-19 during the 2020 session. The outbreak last year was the second biggest among state legislatures across the country. District 50 Representative Milton Nicks of Marion reported testing positive after attending the busy first two days of the legislative 2021 session. As part of the ceremonies and work he had contact with the public, fellow legislators and Governor Asa Hutchinson’s administration.

Nicks reported to the Speaker of the House Mathew Shepard on Wednesday, November 13, that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. He undertook isolation at his home. Shepherd said contract tracing related to the case had commenced and that as of Thursday no other positive cases had been reported.

“All reports are he is doing well,” said Shepherd.

Sheriff Mike Allen checked on Nicks with a phone call.

“He is at home, and fatigued from the COVID,” said Allen. “He is quarantined at home. He was in several of the ceremonies on Monday, with the Governor and everybody else.”

The Bing COVID-19 Tracker counted 5,376 cases of the coronavirus to date in Crittenden County, more than 10 percent of the population. Active cases tallied at 646 and recovered cases amounted to 4,640. Death in the county attributed to the pandemic numbered 90.

Photos from the legislative ceremonies and initial meetings showed many representatives conducting business without a face covering. Shepherd said members not wearing a mask may not get called on to speak during meetings.

“He is at home, and fatigued from the COVID. He is quarantined at home. He was in several of the ceremonies on Monday, with the Governor and everybody else.”

MIKE ALLEN

Sheriff