The Halifax County Health Department reported the highest number of new positive cases of the novel coronavirus since the pandemic started.

“Today we report 48 positive COVID-19 cases,” health Director Bruce Robistow said. “As predicted, we are steadily increasing to levels not seen previously, all a result of holiday gatherings, travel, cold weather, keeping gatherings inside and, of course, non-compliance with the Three W’s.”

Robistow said, “As we have many months to go before the vaccine can get us to a viable herd immunity, it is even more important to follow the executive orders. A continuation on this trajectory will result in more restrictions being set by the governor. It is up to each and everyone of us to get this under control.”

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The 48 new positive cases bring the total cumulative number to 2,232 in Halifax County since March, the health department said in its update today.

There have been 1,932 recoveries. There are currently 261 active patients and one unknown.

There have been 38 related deaths with the following breakdown: 20 within the Roanoke Rapids area ZIP code; five within the Enfield area ZIP code; five within the Scotland Neck area ZIP code; three within the Weldon area ZIP code; two within the Halifax area ZIP code; two within the Littleton area ZIP code; and one within the Hollister area ZIP code. 

Today’s graphic information continues to show a sustained increase in the trend of positive cases.

Testing

Halifax County, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, is expanding no-cost COVID-19 virus testing capacity as part of a recently announced partnership between the state of North Carolina and OptumServe. 

These new community testing events build on North Carolina’s ongoing work to increase access to testing and slow viral spread.

"Testing is a core element of North Carolina’s response to this pandemic, and that means making sure cost and access challenges never act as a barrier to a needed test. As we continue expanding free community testing options, we’re helping North Carolinians to stay informed about their health and help slow the spread of COVID-19," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen.

Testing will begin on December 14 at the Kirkwood Adams Civic Center.

While walk-ups are accepted, residents are encouraged to register and schedule an appointment at  this link   

Anyone who meets the virus testing criteria can be tested, including people who are underinsured, uninsured, undocumented or homeless.

Those without internet access or who are registering a minor should call 877-562-4850. 

Northampton County

The health department reported today there are currently 928 total positive cases of which 807 have recovered. There are currently 72 active cases. There have been 49 related deaths.