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Three of the four counties in the Roanoke-Chowan area reported increases last week in the number of active cases of COVID-19.

Northampton County’s number of active cases remained at 15 (unchanged from the previous week).

Gates County went from the largest decline in cases from two weeks ago to the largest increase last week. The county had experienced a 10-case decline, but last week there were 15 new cases for a total of 21 active cases.

Hertford County doubled its number of active cases last week, going from 11 to 22.

Bertie County gained only two new cases last week (a current total of 24).

There were no COVID-19 related deaths locally between Dec. 5-11, marking the third consecutive week of that good news.

However, local health officials are recommending those already vaccinated need to still consider receiving a booster shot.

The FDA and CDC is recommending anyone 18 years or older who received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can receive a booster six months after their second dose to help strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19.

Albemarle Regional Health Services continues to offer appointments for Pfizer vaccinations for ages 5 years and older, as well as Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for adults 18 and over. Appointments are for first, second, third and booster doses.

To make an appointment, call the Gates County Health Dept. (252-357-1380), the Bertie County Health Dept. (252-794-5322), or the Hertford County Health Dept. (252-862-4054).

Northampton County residents can call 252-534-5841 to schedule an appointment for either a COVID-19 vaccine or a booster shot.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to the virus should get tested as soon as possible. To find a testing site near you, visit ncdhhs.gov/GetTested. For an up-to-date list of no-cost community testing events, visit the No-Cost Testing Events webpage. Additionally, all North Carolinians can request a free at-home COVID-19 testing kit.

While vaccines provide the best protection from COVID-19, treatment options such as monoclonal antibodies are available if you have had symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days or less or have been exposed to COVID-19. If taken early, they can reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Ask your doctor about monoclonal antibodies, call the Combat COVID Monoclonal Antibodies Call Center at 1-877-332-6585 (English) or 1-877-366-0310 (Spanish), or find treatment near you.