Thursday, January 7, 2021 Times-Democrat News Staff Despite warnings by healthcare leaders about the dangers, the impact of Christmas gatherings is beginning to take its toll in Clay County, Arkansas and the nation. Yesterday, three more deaths were reported in the county, adding to the two who were reported last week. The numbers of positive cases also continue to climb, as facilities are being pushed to their limits with COVID-19 related cases. Statewide in Arkansas on Monday, the total number of cases climbed to 234,781, up 1,306 from the previous day and an increase of over 18,000 in the past week. By Wednesday afternoon the number ballooned to 242,593, up 3,705 in just a day. Of those reported on Wednesday, 25,092 were still considered active, up 684 in the past 24 hours.. The death toll also continues to climb, as 65 additional deaths were reported on Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 3,901.