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COVID-19 has claimed another life here in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

The Northampton County Health Department confirmed a death last week due to the virus.

The death toll in the Roanoke-Chowan area now stands at 219 since the pandemic began in March of last year. Seventy-four of those deaths have occurred in Northampton County followed by Hertford County (73), Bertie County (53), and Gates County (19).

Meanwhile, active cases of the virus declined locally last week as follows:

Northampton County: 34 active cases (a decrease of four cases from the previous week)

Bertie County: 19 (-2)

Hertford County: 12 (-3)

Gates County: 10 (-2)

In its weekly report, Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) noted the number of fully vaccinated individuals in the ARHS region include 5,535 in Bertie unchanged from last week’s report); 4,929 in Hertford (+8); and 3,931 in Gates (+26).

As of Friday, Nov. 12, ARHS has also administered 7,491 booster doses (third shots of the Pfizer vaccine; an increase of 2,597 from the previous week).

“ARHS had another successful week administering the Moderna booster vaccines through our mass clinics,” said Health Director R. Battle Betts, Jr. “As we approach the holiday season and spend more time with family and friends, we need to ensure our health and safety by getting our vaccine. Appointments for COVID vaccines are available at each of our health departments. We know these vaccines are safe and effective and are the best way for our community to stay healthy and move past this pandemic.”

ARHS also continues to offer appointments for Pfizer vaccinations for ages 5 years and older, as well as Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for adults 18 and over. Appointments are available to residents of the eight county region. Appointments are for first, second, third and booster doses. If you have received any previous Covid-19 vaccines, please bring your vaccine card with you to your appointment. Parental consent is required for children 17 and younger.

Those needing to schedule a first, second, or third dose of the available vaccines can make an appointment at their local health department: Gates County Health Dept. (252-357-1380), the Bertie County Health Dept. (252-794-5322), or the Hertford County Health Dept. (252-862-4054).

Northampton County residents can call 252-534-5841 to schedule an appointment for either a COVID-19 vaccine or a booster shot.