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Ten positive cases of the novel coronavirus reported today by the Halifax County Health Department have made its trend line go up.

The trend line is now in a flattening pattern as opposed to a downward one as reported Thursday, health Director Bruce Robistow said in his afternoon update.

This kind of spike has only happened once before since the county began reporting the positive cases.

The 10 reported cases have increased the number of positive cases in the county from 167 Thursday to now 177. There have been 123 recoveries and one related death.

The approximate number of current cases can be calculated by subtracting the recoveries from the positive cases.

The positive cases represent individuals and not people who have tested positive multiple times.

There are 15 tests pending and 775 negative results.

 Because of what he described as “a dramatic spike upward,” the need to continue practicing handwashing, waiting 6 feet apart in line and wearing a facial covering in public remains a priority, he said.

Courts

Robistow also said with the opening of Halifax County courts Monday, it is important to follow all guidelines in place.

As reported last week those guidelines are as follows:

At all times, social distancing shall be observed while in  the  courthouse and attendees should remain 6 feet apart from others.

All persons are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth while inside the courthouse and courtrooms. No face coverings that depict or promote profanity, vulgarity, obscenity, violence or the use of illegal drugs will be allowed.

All persons are strongly encouraged to allow temperature checks by healthcare personnel upon request. Any person seeking entry to the courthouse who presents with a fever or any other symptom associated with COVID-19 may be asked to immediately wait until limited  people are on the courthouse premises.

All persons are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the hand sanitizing stations upon entering the courthouse and courtrooms.

Upon entering the courtrooms, sit only in the places that are marked or at the direction of the bailiff or any other authorized court personnel.

Those who are not a victim, witness, or defendant, are strongly encouraged to wait outside until you are notified that the case in which you have an interest is being called. Then you may enter the courtroom. Immediately after the case has been heard, promptly leave the courtroom and exit the courthouse.

All judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys, clerks, security, law enforcement, courthouse maintenance staff and others involved in any court session operating under these guidelines should communicate freely and regularly, both prior to and during sessions, to help the court process move smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

Other information

Robistow said the tax department remains closed and the register of deeds office is available by appointment only.

Sheetz

In an email update to customers today, Sheetz said it has reopened its Roanoke Rapids store.

“We recently closed our store location along Julian R. Allsbrook Highway in Roanoke Rapids due to a positive COVID-19 case.”

The store took the following actions:

Immediately closed the entire store inside and out

Brought in a professional third party for deep cleaning and sanitization

Spoke to each employee to make sure they were taken care of and supported in every way

Northampton County

On Thursday the Northampton County Health Department reported there are now 14 related deaths.

There are 151 positive cases and 115 recoveries.

In that update the health department said the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services defines a novel coronavirus death as one resulting from a clinically compatible illness that was confirmed to be COVID-19 by an appropriate laboratory test. 

There should be no period of complete recovery between the COVID-19 diagnosis and death.