The Halifax County Health Department today reported two additional related deaths to the novel coronavirus which brings the total to 67.

This afternoon the state’s COVID-19 dashboard showed a discrepancy in the number of related deaths by ZIP code so the graphical information usually contained in this report will not be reported until the confusion can be cleared up. As of this report rrspin had not received a clear explanation.

The health department also reported today 68 new positive cases which bring the cumulative total since March to 3,876.

There have been 3,154 — 81.37 percent — recoveries. There are 653 — 16.85 percent — active cases and two unknowns.

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There continues to be a sustained increase in the number of positive cases.

“Our percent positive only went down a fraction of 1 percent,” health Director Bruce Robistow said this evening. “It’s still over 15 percent which is a dramatically high percentage rate.”

Robistow said the sustained increase continues to be a reflection of the holiday season and gatherings indoors with reduced airflow. “Compliance with wearing the mask properly remains an issue. Cover your nose and mouth. The Three W’s will have to continue even after being fully vaccinated.” 

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Race/Ethnicity 

There was a peak the week of January 9 and the numbers for the past week decreased.

Percent Positive of COVID 19 Cases

The percent positives have decreased over the past week, with a two-week average of 17.1 percent.

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Age  

Ages 25-49 represent the largest age group who have tested positive this past week.

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

This number peaked the week of July 4 and the numbers for the past week have decreased.

Vaccinations

The health department said in its update today it continues vaccinations this week. “We are doing at least 250 doses per day. We continue to provide the vaccine to Groups 1 and 2, on a first come, first serve basis. We are aware that the lines can be frustrating as the demand far exceeds available vaccines.”

Robistow said the electronic system used to enter vaccines remains problematic but he said he is hopeful it will balance out within the next couple of weeks. “Please continue to be vigilant in your efforts to get vaccinated while also being patient with the process. Our committed team is working hard to dispense all doses received. Thanks to Vidant North we have been able to double our doses over what the state has provided us. We use virtually every dose by the week’s end. Patience and persistence will get this done as quickly as possible.” 

COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be offered at Halifax Community College Building 700 Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. depending on the availability of the vaccine.

The health department will continue to vaccinate groups 1 and 2 only. Group 2 was formerly called group 1B-1.

Group 1 includes:

Healthcare workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19, including staff responsible for cleaning and maintenance in those areas

Healthcare workers administering the vaccine 

Long-term care staff and residents – people in skilled nursing facilities and in adult, family and group homes.

Group 2 includes:

Anyone 65 years and older, regardless of health status or living situation 

The state will determine when the health department begins vaccinating group 3 frontline essential workers.

The CDC defines frontline essential workers as workers who are in sectors essential to the functioning of society and who are at substantially higher risk for exposure to COVID-19

Roanoke Rapids Graded School District

According to a report presented to the board of education Tuesday evening, teachers were surveyed and indicated more than 71 percent of students are actively engaged, 21 percent sporadically engaged, and 9 percent not engaged.   

Actively engaged students are defined as those who attend live virtual sessions, watch recorded lessons and submit assignments consistently.  

“In terms of engagement levels, these numbers are similar to what we see in a normal year.  Our staff has worked hard during these virtual learning months to increase engagement through home visits, phone calls, virtual and in-person parent conferences, individual and small group virtual tutoring sessions, and communication with counselors and community outreach liaisons,” said Assistant Superintendent Julie Thompson. “Additionally, we’ve offered English learner support, technology support, and school nutrition services. All of this collectively has helped keep students engaged amid these unprecedented times.” 

Superintendent Dain Butler said, “Overall I’m impressed with these numbers. This is far better than what we saw back in March of 2020 when we were first forced to close due to COVID-19.” 

Said school board member Ed Liverman: “This looks different from what we hear on the streets.  I’m really optimistic.  We have an awesome group of very professional teachers out there doing things outside the box. I see it with my own children.  What we’re going through as a society for lack of a better word stinks but I just want to thank our teachers for what they do daily.” 

The board will continue to monitor this data on a monthly basis while students remain in virtual learning.