The Halifax County Health Department today added 46 new positive cases of COVID-19 and one additional related death to its data today.

The total number of cumulative positives since March now stands at 3,922 and the number of related deaths now stands at 68.

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While the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services total county cases and deaths chart shows 68 related deaths, the total number of related deaths by ZIP code shows one extra death.

This is most likely the result of ZIP codes overlapping into other areas, health Director Bruce Robistow said.

Therefore rrspin is temporarily suspending use of the individual area ZIP code graphics so as not to mislead readers.

The health department today reported there continues to be a sustained increase in the number of positive cases. 

Robistow said Wednesday the recent increase in positives is a result of the holiday season and winter weather forcing gatherings inside where there is restricted airflow. The health department continues to encourage residents to practice the Three W’s — wearing a facial covering, waiting 6-feet apart, and washing hands frequently.

The Three W’s should be followed even after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, he said Wednesday.

Vaccinations will be offered at Halifax Community College Building 700 on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. depending on the availability of the vaccine.

The health department will continue to vaccinate groups 1 and 2 only. Group 2 was formerly called group 1B-1.

Group 1 includes:

Healthcare workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19, including staff responsible for cleaning and maintenance in those areas

Healthcare workers administering the vaccine 

Long-term care staff and residents – people in skilled nursing facilities and in adult, family and group homes.

Group 2 includes:

Anyone 65 years and older, regardless of health status or living situation 

The state will determine when the health department begins vaccinating group 3 frontline essential workers.

The CDC defines frontline essential workers as workers who are in sectors essential to the functioning of society and who are at substantially higher risk for exposure to COVID-19.

Northampton County

The health department reported Wednesday there were 1,410 total positive cases of which 1,229 have recovered. There were 119 active cases. There have been 62 related deaths.