The number of novel coronavirus tests surpassed 3,000 as of midnight Sunday and the total number of positive cases since testing began stands at 573, according to the Halifax County Health Department.

The health department said in its afternoon update it is now aware of 3,004 confirmed tests performed on county residents with the following breakdown:

573 positive cases; six related deaths; and 320 recoveries.

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

There are 52 tests pending and 2,379 negative results.

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Four of the related deaths have been in the Roanoke Rapids area ZIP code and one in the Weldon area ZIP code. The sixth death has not yet been entered into the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services database.

The health department said in its update, “This report shows a substantial increase in cases over the last several days as a result of increased testing in our county, continuing our trend line upward.”

The daily updates continue to encourage residents  to follow the three Ws — waiting six feet apart; wearing a facial covering; and washing and disinfecting hands frequently which it says “can make a huge difference in your health and the health of others. Improving your compliance with the three Ws now will both better educate children as to how to practice them and also provide a safer community for when school starts. Please take this opportunity to protect our children and each other very seriously.”   

Northampton County

The health department reported Sunday there were 289 total positive cases of which 222 have recovered. There have been 16 deaths.

Mask recipient

A Better Chance/A Better Community, also known as ABC2, received a delivery of 25,000 reusable face masks last Monday.  

They were provided by North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to help vulnerable populations curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.  

The agency led a search for volunteer agencies across North Carolina to distribute the masks and ABC2 was selected for Halifax and Northampton counties.

The youth-led, youth-driven organization distributed the masks to nonprofits, churches and social service organizations in the counties according to CEO Chester B. Williams and board member Reverend Dawn Daly-Mack, who is also an RN. 

Williams said the organization was “very honored to be awarded the contract to distribute the masks and partnered with many diverse groups to make sure that the masks were distributed to those with the most need.”

ABC2 has also responded to the pandemic by hosting a community feeding program since March.  

Interested parties must call or text to place an order for a free meal that is prepared by The Hen & The Hog.  

Many of the ingredients of the meals are locally grown.  

ABC2 has also adopted a virtual format for meetings and for the yearly Summer Fitness to allow participants to remain safe.

On July 4 the organization launched the opening of the Historic Halifax Farmers Market with several community partners.  

The market is open each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on King Street in Historic Halifax.  

The market is in the open area across from The Hen & The Hog, which is one of the partners.  Halifax County farmers provide the produce and goods that are grown and created locally.

For more information about ABC2, call 252-592-1197 or visit its website