The funds will go towards increasing COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and vaccinations in Pine Bluff. Author: Ashley Godwin (THV11) Updated: 10:26 PM CDT July 15, 2021 PINE BLUFF, Ark — COVID-19 isn't going away any time soon and for Pine Bluff, neither is the funding. It's a story we are hearing in many cities around Arkansas and Pine Bluff is no exception. The COVID-19 vaccination rate has dwindled as the positivity rate has increased. William Fells with the City of Pine Bluff said there's a misconception that the pandemic is over. "Well, here in the city and just in the larger county, we're seeing where the vaccination rates are not where we want them to be," Fells said.