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After nearly 20 combined deaths locally from COVID-19 over the course of the last several weeks, the highly contagious virus seems to be losing its punch.

There were no COVID-related deaths in the R-C area last week. Meanwhile, the number of newly reported cases is also trending downward.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported 44 newly diagnosed COVID cases last week in Bertie County; 29 in Northampton County; 22 in Hertford County; and nine in Gates County. All of those numbers are lower than the previous week’s report from NCDHHS.

Statewide, NCDHHS reported 10,513 new cases of the virus and 3,812 individuals hospitalized due to COVID complications as of Feb. 9. Those numbers are down from the previous week (12,335 newly reported cases and 4,725 hospitalized).

In comparison, there were 20,286 new cases and 5,090 hospitalized reported by NCDHHS on Jan. 26.

COVID-19 vaccinations and testing remain available in the local area. For more information contact the Gates County Health Dept. (252-357-1380), the Bertie County Health Dept. (252-794-5322), the Hertford County Health Dept. (252-862-4054) or the Northampton County Health Department (252-534-5841).

Vidant Health has 14 locations across eastern North Carolina to help you get tested for COVID-19. If you need a test, please visit VidantHealth.com/safecommunities to find a Vidant testing location near you.

NCDHHS reminds everyone that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for free to all who want it. Vaccination is now open to everyone 5 and older. Visit MySpot.nc.gov to find a location.

To strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19, boosters are now available to all North Carolinians ages 12 and older. You should get a booster as soon as you are eligible.

If you received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you can get your booster five months after your second shot. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can get your booster two months after your shot.

You can choose any brand of COVID-19 vaccine for your booster shot. Limited preliminary evidence suggests that booster doses of one of the two mRNA vaccines — Moderna or Pfizer — more effectively raise antibody levels than a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The CDC also recommends a third dose of Pfizer for children ages 5 to 11 who have compromised immune systems.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or call the COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center for free at 1-888-675-4567.