Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The COVID-19 virus continues to claim lives across the Roanoke-Chowan area with 11 more deaths this week.

Five of those individuals were Bertie County residents. Four were over the age of 65 and one was between the ages of 50-64. None of these deaths were related to a facility outbreak.

Hertford County’s death toll increased by three this week. Two individuals were over the age of 65 and one was in the 50-64 year age range. None were associated with a facility outbreak.

Northampton County also reported three COVID-related deaths this week.

Since pandemic began in March of last year, there have been 65 deaths from the virus in Northampton County; 57 in Hertford County; 38 in Bertie County; and 12 in Gates County.

As of Friday, Jan. 29, there were 85 active COVID cases in Hertford County; 76 in Northampton; 57 in Bertie; and 36 in Gates.

The number of local individuals who have recovered from the virus also continues to rise: 1,638 in Hertford County; 1,417 in Bertie; 1,362 in Northampton; and 480 in Gates.

COVID-19 testing is still available for those meeting criteria by appointment only at the local health departments across the region. Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) encourages residents to call their primary care provider for an assessment or information on testing availability before calling the local health department. If someone does not have a primary care home, ARHS does offer primary care services.

All tests will be completed through a curbside screening clinic at the local health department. For more information on criteria for COVID-19 testing or appointments, call 252-338-WELL/9355 or your local health department directly.

ARHS is collaborating with OptumServe to provide additional, no-cost COVID-19 testing sites in Bertie, Hertford, Gates, and Chowan counties. Typically testing is available Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Friday from 1 – 5 p.m. You may check availability and register to make an appointment for testing by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling (877) – 562-4850.

Northampton County residents wishing to get tested can call the health department there at 252-534-5841.