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With six additional deaths attributed to COVID-19 this week in the Roanoke-Chowan area, the virus has now claimed the lives of nearly 70 local citizens.

According to Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS), there were three deaths this week in both Bertie and Hertford counties. All were over the age of 65.

Four of the most recent six deaths were attributed to ongoing outbreaks at local congregate care facilities. Two of the Bertie deaths occurred at the Windsor House; two of the Herford County deaths took place at Accordius Creekside Care and Rehab in Ahoskie.

The Windsor House has experienced a total of four deaths among an outbreak that involves 33 people there (23 residents and 10 staff members).

The outbreak at Creekside Care over the past two months is more severe, impacting a total of 118 individuals (82 residents and 36 staff members). To date, the virus has claimed 15 lives at that facility.

Outbreaks remain at Bertie Correctional Institution in Windsor (15 staff; 31 inmates), The Brian Center in Windsor (7 staff; 2 residents), Gates House in Gatesville (7 staff, 4 residents), Rivers Correctional Institution in Winton (10 staff; 7 inmates), and Three Rivers Health & Rehab of Windsor (5 staff; 5 residents).

ARHS reported the following information on Friday, Oct. 9 (note – the number of lab confirmed cases represent a cumulative total since the outbreak began in March):

Bertie County – 644 lab confirmed cases: 27 active, 603 recovered, and 14 deaths;

Gates County – 155 lab confirmed cases: 10 active, 142 recovered, and 3 deaths; and

Hertford County – 815 lab confirmed cases: 12 active, 768 recovered, and 35 deaths.

The Northampton County Health Department has reported 516 total positive cases since March, of which 48 are currently active while there have been 451 recoveries. To date, Northampton’s death toll from the virus remains at 17.

COVID-19 testing is available for those meeting criteria by appointment only at the local health departments across the region. ARHS encourages residents to call their primary care provider for an assessment or information on testing availability before calling the local health department. If someone does not have a primary care home, ARHS does offer primary care services. All tests will be completed through a curbside screening clinic at the local health department. Please note that testing times have changed to 1- 3 pm.

For more information on criteria for COVID-19 testing or appointments, call 252-338-WELL/9355 or your local health department directly.

ARHS is collaborating with OptumServe to provide additional, no-cost COVID-19 testing sites in Bertie, Hertford, Gates, and Chowan counties. Testing is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Testing sites in Bertie and Hertford counties are already operational. The Chowan and Gates testing sites will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 14. You may register and make an appointment for testing by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling (877) – 562-4850.