Six additional deaths related to the novel coronavirus now bring the total to 80, the Halifax County Health Department reported today.

Halifax County Health Director Bruce Robistow said of the 80 related deaths, 47 have been ages 75 and older; 17 have been 65 to 74; and 16 have been 50 to 64.

There have been 43 related deaths among women and 37 among men.

He said 36 people who have died are white, 32 Black, eight of other ethnicities, and four are unknown.

Today the health department also added 34 new positive cases, which bring the total cumulative number since March to 4,112.

Data on recoveries and current cases was not immediately available this evening.

Robistow said the percent of positive cases are below 15 percent, however, “Overall our positive cases remain high although we have seen a decline in positive cases and our percent positives have dropped below 15 percent. We are still much higher than we were in October.”

Of the number of related deaths, Robistow said, “Our death rate is alarmingly high. It’s crucial we continue to follow the Three W’s and make every effort to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Even after the vaccination process is completed, he said it remains important to practice social distancing, wear a facial covering and wash hands frequently.

He said the residents of not only Halifax County, but North Carolina, “have done poorly in protecting themselves and each other. We should not only be wearing masks ourselves but encouraging friends and loved ones and neighbors to do the same.”

For those who do not have transportation or the ability to get the latest information on vaccines, Robistow said, “Each and everyone of us should be making it our responsibility to assist them in getting their vaccines and promoting overall responsibility to take care of each other.”

In its report the health department said there continues to be a sustained increase in the trend of positive cases.

The total number of positives by ZIP code beginning March 25 through today are as follows:

Enfield (27823) – 555 cases

Halifax (27839) – 171 cases 

Hobgood (27843) – 101 cases 

Hollister (27844) – 220 cases

Littleton (27850) – 315 cases 

Roanoke Rapids (27870) – 2,255 cases 

Scotland Neck (27874) – 297 cases

Tillery (27887) – The state Department of Health and Human Services does not provide data on the Tillery ZIP code

Weldon (27890) – 203 cases

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Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Race/Ethnicity 

Although there was a peak the week of January 9, the numbers for the past week decreased.

Percent Positive of COVID-19 Cases 

“We know that as testing increases, the number of cases can climb,” the department said. “This gives us an idea of the number of cases with respect to the amount of testing being done.  These are only calculated using results from labs that report to the state.”

The percent positive has decreased over the past week, with a two-week average of 14.5 percent. 

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Age  

Ages 25-49 represent the largest age group who have tested positive this past week.

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Congregate Living Setting Association

There was a peak the week of July 4. The numbers for the past week increased.

Northampton County

The health department Tuesday reported there were 1,482 total positive cases of which 1,339 have recovered. There are 80 active cases. There have been 63 related deaths.

Vidant Health

The health system reported Tuesday more than 7,300 team members and providers have received the vaccine. 

More than 4,100 team members have received both doses, completing their vaccine series.

More than 2,800 eligible community members have received the first dose of the vaccine.

Vidant’s system-wide census of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is 192. “It remains important for our community to help flatten the curve by continuing to practice important safety habits: wear a mask, wash hands often and avoid gatherings.”