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As the Halifax County Health Department enters the sixth month of reporting updates on the novel coronavirus, there are now 875 positive cases since testing began.

With today’s report showing a decrease in two categories, health Director Bruce Robistow said this afternoon he believes residents need to do more and that is simply following the three Ws — wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart and washing and disinfecting hands frequently. “I think a lot of people are still complacent,” he said, adding, complying with the three Ws is simple.

He also said he is not surprised the 25-49-year-old age group is seeing the most positive cases in the county. “That’s the age of the group of our parents who have children in school and are potentially a more active group thereby increasing their potential of exposure.”

Robistow said he was pleased with Governor Roy Cooper’s announcement Tuesday the state could move Friday into what the governor called phase 2.5. “I am because I think the governor needs to show that he is truly following the data. He stayed at 2.0 because that’s what the data indicated. Now that data has shown a decline in hospitalizations and ER visits, the governor and the state health director saw an opportunity to move to 2.5.”

Roanoke Rapids City Joseph Scherer announced to city council Tuesday Cooper’s decision to move to phase 2.5. “This now allows gyms and bowling alleys to be open at 30 percent capacity but does not increase the capacity of restaurants and retail stores.”

Bars will remain closed and the ban on alcohol sales after 11 p.m. was extended to October 2. Outdoor playgrounds can be open and indoor gatherings are now limited to 25 and outdoor gatherings will be limited to 50.

Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said today staff planned to inspect playground equipment today at all of the city’s parks and will have a meeting with staff Thursday to determine how to proceed with the Roanoke Canal Museum.

Tape around playground equipment at the city’s parks will be removed Friday.

Fairwood Lanes said in a post on its Facebook page Tuesday, “We are very, very pleased with today’s outcome. We are excited to announce we will be reopening Fairwood Lanes to the public, Wednesday, September 16.”

The adult, superheroes, homeschoolers and youth leagues will begin Monday, September 14. “We are adding a new Sunday night mixed league for any new bowlers who wish to join.

Meanwhile, in its report today, the health department added one positive to its data, bringing the total to 875 since testing began.

Data on recoveries was not available today, Robistow said. He did say there were 77 active cases in the county last week.

There have been 11 deaths — 10 within the Roanoke Rapids area ZIP code and one within the Weldon area ZIP code.

The trend line graphic the department uses from the state was not available today, the health department said in its update.

According to data compiled from electronic lab reporting by the percent positive, the number has decreased this week as have the number of positives by race and ethnicity.