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While the number of newly reported cases of COVID-19 rose slightly last week in the Roanoke-Chowan area, the virus still appears to be losing some of its momentum.

numbers haven’t been this low since COVID-19 first

As of April 13, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) reported a combined five active cases locally: one each in Bertie, Gates and Hertford counties, and two in Northampton.

There was just one active case the prior week. That case was in Gates County.

Statewide, there were 13 COVID-related deaths reported by the NC DHHS during the week of April 3-9. That number declined by five from the previous week.

None of the most recent virus-related deaths were in the R-C area.

Most sequenced cases statewide are Omicron BA.1.

COVID-19 vaccinations and testing remain available in the local area. For more information contact the Gates County Health Dept. (252-357-1380), the Bertie County Health Dept. (252-794-5322), the Hertford County Health Dept. (252-862-4054) or the Northampton County Health Department (252-534-5841).

NCDHHS reminds everyone that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for free to all who want it. Vaccination is now open to everyone 5 and older. Visit MySpot.nc.gov to find a location.

To strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19, boosters are now available to all North Carolinians ages 12 and older. You should get a booster as soon as you are eligible.

If you received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you can get your booster five months after your second shot. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can get your booster two months after your shot.

You can now get a second booster if you are 50 or older and got your first booster shot at least four months ago, or you are 12 or older and have a compromised immune system, and got your first booster at least four months ago, or you who received a total of two shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least four months ago.

You can choose any brand of COVID-19 vaccine for your booster shot. Limited preliminary evidence suggests that booster doses of one of the two mRNA vaccines — Moderna or Pfizer — more effectively raise antibody levels than a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The CDC also recommends a third dose of Pfizer for children ages 5 to 11 who have compromised immune systems.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or call the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center for free at 1-888-675-4567.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or call the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center for free at 1-888-675-4567.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, or think you may have COVID-19, you should get tested.

To find a testing site near you, visit ncdhhs.gov/GetTested. For an up-to-date list of no-cost community testing events, visit the No-Cost Testing Events webpage. Additionally, all North Carolinians can request a free at-home COVID-19 testing kit.