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AHOSKIE – Hertford County’s death toll from COVID-19 climbed to five following today’s (Monday) report of two additional deaths at The Ahoskie House, an assisted living facility.

Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) made today’s announcement after receiving notification about the two deaths. ARHS said that both individuals were over age 65 and succumbed to complications from COVID-19.

This marks the third COVID-19 related death at the Ahoskie House. ARHS reported the first death there last week. That individual was also over the age of 65.

During the week of May 18, ARHS announced it was working with Ahoskie House officials to control an outbreak there that reportedly began with three staff members testing positive for the virus.

As of Friday (June 5), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service listed 69 lab-confirmed cases (48 residents and 21 staff members) of COVID-19 at the Ahoskie House.

As of today (June 8), the virus has claimed 24 lives in the Roanoke-Chowan area and 1,046 across the state.

ARHS also reported today an additional death associated with COVID-19 in a Pasquotank County resident. The individual was over the age 65 and succumbed to complications from COVID-19.

This most recent Pasquotank death is related to the facility outbreak at Elizabeth City Health and Rehabilitation. As of today, there have been 13 deaths associated with COVID-19 at this facility.

ARHS is continuing to ask 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.

For more information about COVID-19 visit these sites:

Albemarle Regional Health Services – http://www.arhs-nc.org/ or call 252-338-WELL

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

Center for Disease Control – https://www.cdc.gov/