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As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the Roanoke-Chowan area, so do the number of local deaths.

On Monday, Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) received notification confirming three additional deaths associated with COVID-19 in Hertford County residents.

All three were over the age of 65 and succumbed to complications from COVID-19, according to information from ARHS.

To protect each family’s privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.

With five COVID-related deaths over the past two weeks, the Hertford County toll now stands at 18 since the virus outbreak began in March. It also raised the R-C area death toll to 44, which includes 17 in Northampton; six in Bertie; and three in Gates.

ARHS is continuing to ask local citizens to be mindful in practicing preventive and safety measures. 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.

Wear a cloth face covering in public when social distancing measures are hard to maintain.