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COVID-19 claimed three additional lives in the Roanoke-Chowan area this week.

One resident each in Gates, Hertford and Northampton counties died due to complications with the virus, bringing the local death toll to 28.

According to Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS), the Gates County individual was over 65 years of age. ARHS reported that the Hertford County death was in the 50-to-64 age range and was a resident at The Ahoskie House. That marks the fifth death at that facility; all have been residents. The Ahoskie House has 73 individuals (52 residents and 21 staff members) whose tests for the virus have been positive.

The latest death in Northampton County occurred at Rich Square Nursing and Rehabilitation, where an outbreak remains ongoing. As of Friday of this week, 11 have died there from COVID-19 (10 residents and one staff member). There are 39 other residents and 19 staff members there who have tested positive for the virus.

As of 12 noon Friday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported 153 cases and 7 deaths in Hertford County (with 130 recoveries); 136 cases and 4 deaths in Bertie County (126 recoveries); and 25 cases and 2 deaths in Gates County (19 recoveries).

On its Facebook Page on June 19, the Northampton County Health Department reported 188 cases and 15 total deaths. Of its total cases, Northampton Health officials pointed out that 150 have recovered from the virus.

NCDHHS also reported an outbreak at Ahoskie Assisted Living (formally Pinewood Manor). There, three individuals (two residents; one staff member) have tested positive for the virus.

Statewide, NCDHHS reported 49,840 confirmed cases and 1,197 COVID-19 related deaths as of 12 noon Friday. There were 871 individuals hospitalized with the virus across the state.

Nearly 5,300 cases and 720 deaths from COVID-19 are attributed to congregate living facilities (nursing homes/rest homes).