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The number of newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the Roanoke-Chowan area continues to decline.

According to information provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the number of new cases fell last week in two local counties; remained unchanged in another; and rose very slightly in one other.

There were no deaths linked to the virus last week in the R-C area.

Northampton County saw the largest decline in the number of newly reported cases, falling from 24 to 15 last week. Bertie County also noted a decrease from 13 to 10 cases.

Gates County’s case count remained unchanged (6) while Hertford County’s numbers increased by one last week, rising from 17 to 18 new cases.

Statewide, NCDHHS reported 3,470 new cases of the virus and 2,123 individuals hospitalized due to COVID complications as of Feb. 23. Those numbers are down from the previous week (6,079 newly reported cases and 2,872 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.