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A second death from COVID-19 has been reported in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

On Saturday afternoon, Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) received notification from one of its hospital partners confirming the death of a Hertford County resident.

ARHS Director R. Battle Betts Jr. said the individual was older than 65 and succumbed to complications associated with the virus.

To protect the family’s privacy, no further information about this patient will be released.

“It is with deep regret that we make this announcement and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the individual,” Betts stated. “We recognize that this is a difficult time; we are facing a historic public health challenge, but let us remain vigilant in the daily steps to keep us all safe, especially handwashing, sanitation, and social distancing.”

Last week, a Bertie County resident, also over the age of 65, succumbed to COVID-19.

ARHS has also received notification this weekend of a seventh lab confirmed case of COVID-19 in Bertie County. That individual is currently in isolation.

ARHS is following North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on contact tracing of all individuals who may have had close contact with the case.

To slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected, communities should be following the guidance set by local, state, and federal officials to reduce frequency of contact and increase physical distance between persons, thereby reducing the risks of person-to-person transmission.