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After one week of no newly reported deaths locally from COVID-19 comes the sad news of five additional R-C area residents to die due to the virus.

This week, three additional deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported in Bertie County. These individuals were over the age of 65 and succumbed to complications from the virus. One death is related to the facility outbreak at Three Rivers Rehabilitation.

Hertford County is also confirming two deaths this week associated with COVID-19. One individual was over the age 65 and the other was in the 50-64 year age range. These deaths are not associated with a facility outbreak.

There were no new deaths this week in either Northampton or Gates counties.

The local death toll now stands at 182 since the pandemic began in March of last year. Northampton has lost 66 of its citizens to the virus; Hertford County has recorded 60 deaths; Bertie has 44; and Gates County has 12.

As of Friday (Feb. 26), the number of active COVID cases continues to decline: 46 in Hertford; 30 in Bertie; 14 in Gates; and 10 in Northampton.

COVID-19 vaccine clinics offered through Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) and their partners are scheduled in local counties next week as follows:

Hertford County (second dose only!!): Monday, March 1 from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. at the Ahoskie Creek Amphitheater;

Gates County (second dose only!!): Tuesday, March 2 from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. at the Gates County Health Department;

Hertford County (first dose only!!): Wednesday, March 3 from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. at the Ahoskie Creek Amphitheater;

Gates County (first dose only!!): Thursday, March 4 from 9-11:30 a.m. (or until supplies are depleted) at the Gates County Health Department; and

Bertie County (first and second doses): from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. at Bertie High School.

Vaccinations are currently being offered to three specific groups: medical staff and first responders whose jobs put them in direct contact with COVID-19 patients; individuals ages 65 and over; and frontline essential workers, which include those working in the following sectors: manufacturing, education, essential goods, food and agriculture, government and community services, healthcare and public health, and transportation. A full description of Group 3- Frontline Essential Workers can be found here at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines/find-your-spot-take-your-shot/deeper-dive-group-3

“We are asking that only individuals who live in the ARHS region and meet these priority groups attend first dose clinics,” said ARHS Health Director R. Battle Betts Jr. “Individuals who do not meet this requirement will be asked to leave and instructed to contact their local health department for vaccine information. Please help us meet the needs of our community by adhering to this guidance and supporting our Public Health and Public Safety workforce as they work to vaccinate our communities.”

Betts added that if you received your first dose at one of the ARHS clinics, regardless of residence status, you will be able to receive your second dose as long as you have your vaccine card with you.

Please do not arrive early at sites. If you arrive prior to 8:30 am you may be asked to leave by law enforcement.

Second dose clinics are scheduled based on the first dose clinics offered. Based on CDC Guidance, there is no maximum interval between the first and second dose.

If you received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with another provider such as Walgreens or CVS, you will need to return to that same facility for your second dose.

Second dose clinics are open to individuals who received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine on or before Friday, Feb. 5. Please plan to attend the clinic in the county where you received your first dose. You will need to bring the vaccine card you received with your first dose with you to this clinic. If you do not have your card, you may experience additional delays, or may be turned away and rescheduled because we have to verify your first dose for your safety.

The Northampton County Health Department is currently vaccinating healthcare workers, individuals 65 and older, childcare providers, and educators working in PreK-12 schools. Please call 252-534-5841 with your name and number to be added to the waiting list and a staff member will contact you as doses become available. Once shipments of vaccine are received and accounted for, individuals on the waiting list are contacted immediately to make an appointment.