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COVID-19 cases locally and across the state continue to decline.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported that as of March 31, there were only six cases in the four R-C area counties. There are two cases each in Bertie, Hertford and Gates. Northampton County reported zero cases.

Statewide, NCDHHS reported 1,075 cases as of March 31, down from 1,224 cases the week prior. There were 440 individuals hospitalized statewide with as of March 31 due to medical complications with the virus. That number fell from 557 two weeks ago.

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

NCDHHS officials said the most sequenced cases are Omicron BA 1.

There were 13 COVID-related deaths statewide from March 27-31, down from 22 the previous week. None of the most recent virus-related deaths were in the R-C area.

In their weekly update, NCDHHS noted downward trends in all early warning indicators, and added that there are medium to low levels of community risk in all 100 counties. Each of the R-C area counties is currently listed in the “low level” category.

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).

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.