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COVID-19 has claimed six more lives this week in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) reported five more deaths from the virus in Hertford County. One individual was in the 25-49 year age range and the other four individuals were over the age of 65.

In addition, ARHS has also received another notification of a COVID-19 related death in a Bertie County resident. The individual was over the age of 65.

According to ARHS, all six were residents at Accordius Creekside Care & Rehab of Ahoskie. A recent outbreak there has caused 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (42 residents and 16 staff). Nine residents have died.

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

The total death toll from the virus across the Roanoke-Chowan area now stands at 50 (23 in Hertford; 17 in Northampton; 7 in Bertie; and 3 in Gates).

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases locally continues to increase.

As of today (Wednesday), Hertford County has 34 new cases since last Friday; Bertie is up by 35 cases; Gates has seen five new cases; and Northampton is up by nine cases.

ARHS is continuing to ask 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.

For more information about COVID-19 visit these sites:

Albemarle Regional Health Services – http://www.arhs-nc.org/ or call 252-338-WELL

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

Center for Disease Control – https://www.cdc.gov/