Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

While the state’s reported cases of COVID-19 broke the 5,000-barrier on Tuesday, those impacted locally by the virus are beginning to recover.

On Monday, Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) sent out a press release that stated there were no active cases of the virus in Gates County at that time. The county did have four residents that previously tested positive.

Cases identified as recovered means individuals have had no fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fever, have been without symptoms for at least seven days, and other symptoms have improved.

An update was also provided on the status of COVID-19 cases within other counties served by ARHS, to include:

Bertie County – 15 lab confirmed cases – 4 active (to include three new cases this week), 10 recovered, and 1 death;

Hertford County – 4 lab confirmed cases – 1 active, 2 recovered, and 1 death;

Pasquotank County – 15 lab confirmed cases – 7 active and 8 recovered;

Perquimans County – 4 lab confirmed cases – 2 active and 2 recovered;

Chowan County – 3 lab confirmed cases – 2 active and 1 recovered; and

Currituck County – 3 lab confirmed cases – 2 active and 1 recovered.

Camden County has yet to have a COVID-19 case.

In Northampton County, which features a stand-alone health department, there are 65 positive cases of COVID-19, an increase of four since Friday of last week. Twenty two of those cases have been deemed recovered, while the majority of all cases in the county continue to have only mild symptoms with many being asymptomatic.

“As we begin the third week of the Stay at Home order it is imperative that we continue to practice preventive and safety measures that will help prevent the spread of the COVID -19,” ARHS stated in the press release.

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.

ARHS will continue to update the 252-338-WELL line with active and recovered cases.

As of 11 am on Tuesday (April 14), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services was reporting 5,024 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 104 deaths statewide. There were 418 COVID patients hospitalized as of Tuesday.