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Positive cases of COVID-19 are still being reported in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) reported the following numbers on Friday, Aug 7:

Bertie County – 263 lab confirmed cases – 34 active, 224 recovered, and 5 deaths;

Gates County – 46 lab confirmed cases – 2 active, 42 recovered, and 2 deaths; and

Hertford County – 316 lab confirmed cases – 47 active, 257 recovered, and 12 deaths.

The Northampton County Health Department reported on Aug. 7 there were 338 positive cases and 16 deaths since the outbreak began five months ago. To date, 287 individuals testing positive for the virus in Northampton County have recovered.

At this time, the outbreaks at Rivers Correctional Institute in Hertford County and Bertie Correctional Institute in Bertie County remain stable, according to ARHS. As noted previously, an outbreak ends if there is no evidence of continued transmission within the facility. This is measured as 28 days after the latest date of onset in a symptomatic person or the latest date of specimen collection in an asymptomatic person, whichever is later.

The region has continued to see mass gathering activities take place. Local health officials encourage residents to refrain from attending large gatherings that include auctions, tractor pulls, car and motocross races, family reunions, etc. These events and other large gatherings of more than 25 people increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The spread of COVID-19 can also be reduced when masks are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

As of 12 noon on Friday (Aug. 7), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 132,812 confirmed cases statewide since the outbreak began in March. The state death toll from the virus stood at 2,134 while 1,123 were hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms as of Friday.