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The Halifax County Health Department reported the 32nd death related to the novel coronavirus.

According to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard, the death occurred within the Roanoke Rapids area ZIP code and marks the 18th to have occurred within that ZIP code.

The breakdown of deaths is as follows: 18 within the Roanoke Rapids area ZIP code; four within the Scotland Neck area ZIP code; three within the Enfield area ZIP code; three within the Weldon area ZIP code; two within the Littleton area ZIP code; one within the Halifax area ZIP code; and one within the Hollister area ZIP code. 

According to a demographics chart — the chart is included in the photo gallery — on the state’s dashboard, 25 percent of the deaths in Halifax County have occurred within the 50 to 64 age bracket; 19 percent within the 65 to 74 age bracket; and 56 percent within the 75 and older age bracket.

More than half of the people who have died in Halifax County had underlying health conditions, health department Director Bruce Robistow said this afternoon.

Today the health department added 37 new positive cases, bringing the total cumulative number since testing began in March to 1,638.

There have been 1,423 recoveries. There are 183 current cases.

Other details in today’s report are as follows:

Daily Lab Confirmed Cases

Today’s graph shows a sustained increase in the trend and a decrease since Wednesday.

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Race/Ethnicity

The numbers for the past week have decreased after peaking the week of July 25.

Percent Positive of COVID 19 Cases

“We know that as testing increases, the number of cases can climb,” the health department said. “This gives us an idea of the number of cases with respect to the amount of testing being done. These are only calculated using results from labs that report to the state.”

The percent positives show a decrease over the past week, with a two-week average of 8.7 percent.

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Age  

Ages 25-49  and 50-64 represent the largest age groups who have tested positive this past week.

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Congregate Living Setting Association

Although the number of COVID-19 cases in congregate living peaked the week of July 4, today’s data shows an increase over the past week.

Robistow said, “I’m pleased that the percent of positives has declined. I’d like it to be below 5 percent which we haven’t been down there since September. The only way to get this under control is to stress compliance with the Three Ws — handwashing, wearing a facial covering and waiting 6-feet apart. Do it yourself and encourage others.” 

As far as vaccine news, he said Tuesday the state held a meeting of local health directors about the plan for mass vaccinations. “There is optimism that we can start vaccinating before the end of the year.”

People working on the front lines of the pandemic would be vaccinated first along with people with multiple comorbidities and then people in long-term care facilities. There is optimism, he said, that the general public could get vaccines in the first quarter of 2021.

No-cost testing

HCC

New no-cost COVID-19  will be available at Halifax Community College beginning November 17 and will run through November 21.

The county, in partnership with the state, is expanding the no-cost COVID-19 virus testing capacity as part of a recently announced partnership between the state of North Carolina and OptumServe. These new community testing events build on North Carolina’s ongoing work to increase access to testing and slow viral spread.

"Testing is a core element of North Carolina’s response to this pandemic, and that means making sure cost and access challenges never act as a barrier to a needed test. As we continue expanding free community testing options, we’re helping North Carolinians to stay informed about their health and help slow the spread of COVID-19," said North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen.

While walk-ups are accepted, residents are encouraged to register and schedule an appointment at this link

Anyone who meets the virus testing criteria can be tested, including people who are underinsured, uninsured, undocumented or homeless.

You may register and make an appointment for testing by visiting the link above. 

Oak Grove Promisedland Ministries

Testing will begin on November 19 at the Oak Grove Promiseland Ministries in Littleton.

As with the one at HCC, registration is encouraged by using the web link.

Phone registration by calling 877-562-4850 should only be used for people without internet access or who are registering a minor for a test.