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The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed another life in Bertie County.

Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) has received notification confirming the fourth death associated with COVID-19 in a Bertie County resident. The individual was over the age 65 and succumbed to complications from COVID-19. 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 we extend our sincere condolences to the individual’s family and friends,” said ARHS Health Director R. Battle Betts Jr.

As of 11 a.m. on Tuesday (May 26), Bertie County has 115 confirmed cases since the outbreak began locally in March. That number marks an increase of six cases since Friday (May 22).

Bertie’s first COVID-19 related death was reported on April 1.

Meanwhile, Hertford County’s number of confirmed cases jumped by 12 over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. As of Tuesday, the county was reporting 72 cases. There were 60 cases as of May 22.

One Hertford County citizen died earlier from the virus. That death was reported on April 4.

Northampton County’s death toll remained at 12. The majority of Northampton’s deaths have occurred at Rich Square Nursing & Rehab. There, eight patients and one staff member have died from among the 50 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at that facility.

The number of confirmed cases in Northampton rose slightly over the weekend, reported at 141 as of Tuesday. The county listed 137 cases on May 22.

Gates County’s numbers also continue to climb, now with 23 cases, up from 19 on May 22. Gates also reported its first COVID-19 death last week. That person was over the age of 65 and succumbed to complications related to the virus.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported the following cases as of Friday, broken down by R-C area zip codes (showing only those with more than 3 cases):

Ahoskie – 45 (1 death)

Aulander – 10

Colerain – 24

Conway – 13 (2 deaths)

Corapeake – 3

Eure – 4 (1 death)

Garysburg – 6

Gaston – 22

Gates – 8

Hobbsville – 4

Kelford – 5

Lewiston-Woodville – 3

Merry Hill – 7

Murfreesboro – 10 (1 death)

Pleasant Hill – 5

Powellsville – 7 (1 death)

Rich Square – 48 (9 deaths)

Seaboard – 5

Windsor – 57 (2 deaths)

Winton – 23

Woodland – 29 (1 death)

ARHS is continuing to ask local citizens to be mindful in practicing preventive and safety measures. These precautions 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.

As of Tuesday (May 26), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 24,140 cases, 766 deaths, and 621 currently hospitalized statewide.