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As the state moves forward in an attempt to restart the economy, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue their upward trajectory here in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

Northampton becomes the first local county, and the first in the northeastern part of the state, to reach triple digits in the number of cases. According to Friday’s (May 8) statistics from the Northampton County Health Department, there are 117 confirmed cases. Seven of those cases have tragically ended in death.

The Northampton Health Dept. reported that 71 patients have recovered from virus.

One week ago (Friday, May 1), Northampton reported 87 cases and four deaths.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) reported on Friday that Bertie County has 58 confirmed cases, up from 44 one week earlier. Two Bertie citizens have passed away from complications with the virus while 40 have recovered, leaving the county with 16 current active cases.

Hertford County was listed with 46 cases (14 active and 31 recovered) and one death as of May 8. The county had 39 cases as of May 1.

Gates County reported 10 cases (three active and seven recovered), up from seven last week.

By congregate living sites locally, the majority of Northampton’s cases (35) and deaths (5) have occurred at Rich Square Nursing and Rehabilitation. Of the 35 cases, 24 are residents of the facility. All five of the deaths there were residents.

An outbreak in late March and early April left 27 individuals (20 residents and 7 staff members) with the virus at Pine Forest Rest Home in Potecasi. One of those residents died. There have not been any recent reports of cases at that rest home.

There are 39 cases at Rivers Correctional Institution, a privately owned and operated facility near Winton. Those cases involve 21 staff members and 18 inmates. Last week there were 24 total cases at that prison.

Bertie Correctional Institution, a state-owned prison in Windsor, reported 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 8.

By local zip codes, Windsor has the most number of cases (34, with 1 death), followed by Ahoskie (21, with 1 death), Winton (21), Woodland (27, with 1 death), Rich Square (23, with 5 deaths), Gaston (18), Colerain (13), Conway (12, with 1 death), Murfreesboro (8, with 1 death), Garysburg (6), and Seaboard (5).

Statewide, NC DHHS reported 13,868 cases and 527 deaths as of 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8. One week ago, those numbers stood at nearly 11,000 cases and 399 deaths.

Public health interventions continue to be an important tool to reduce transmission and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Preventive and safety measures that will help prevent the spread of the virus include:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Practice social distancing; stay at least six feet away from others, avoid unnecessary travel, avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact.

Wear a cloth face covering in public when social distancing measures are hard to maintain.