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The number of newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19 continues its downward spiral across the Roanoke-Chowan area.

According to information provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the number of new cases fell last week in all four local counties where the case count is now in single digits.

There were no new cases in Gates County last week, marking the first local “zero” since last summer. The county reported five cases the week prior.

Hertford County saw the largest decline in the number of newly reported cases, falling from 15 to four last week.

Northampton County also reported four new cases last week, down from 10 the previous week.

Bertie County’s cases decreased by four, falling to six from 10.

Albemarle Regional Health Services did report a local COVID-related death last week. That individual resided in Bertie County and was between the ages of 50-to-64.

That marks the first local death from COVID in three weeks. It also raised the Roanoke-Chowan area death toll from COVID to 248 individuals since the pandemic began in March 2020. Sixty-nine of those deaths have occurred in Bertie County.

ARHS also reported that a COVID outbreak at Accordius Creekside in Ahoskie has been resolved.

Statewide, NCDHHS reported 1,833 new cases of the virus and 1,093 individuals hospitalized due to COVID complications as of March 9. Those numbers are down from the previous week (2,243 newly reported cases and 1,461 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.