One additional death related to COVID-19 was reported by the Halifax County Health Department today.
The latest death related to the virus brings the total to 81.
Since its last report on Friday, the health department added 138 new positive cases, which bring the total cumulative number since March to 4,341.
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Halifax County Health Department Director Bruce Robistow told commissioners today the percentage of positive cases have gone down some but continue to remain very high — 14.7 percent.
He said the percent of positive cases has been as high as 17.1 percent. Last week it was 15.5 percent.
Robistow said the health department wants to see percent positives at 5 percent or less.
He told the board the recovery rate in Halifax County is 87 percent and the 25-64 age group remain the greatest number of people who have tested positive. The 75 and older age group have accounted for the largest percentage of related deaths.
Vaccine
For the latest COVID-19 vaccination information, residents can now text COVIDVAX to 888777. Users can sign up to receive text messages specific to their area ZIP code.
Robistow said the department is “being as flexible as we can while listening to feedback,” on the vaccine.
One of the things residents can do to help is to make sure those who don’t have access to vaccine information are aware, he said, is, “If they don’t have access to that information you bring it to them.”
The health department reported last week it is now scheduling appointments for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines for groups 1 and 2.
They are scheduled to be given on Wednesday at Halifax Community College in the 700 building from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the appointments are being taken by phone only.
Call the health department during business hours — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — at 252-583-5021 extension 6221 to schedule an appointment. If the line is busy, call again.
For those who are unable to walk, the vaccinations will be given while the recipient remains in the car.
An updated registration form for first-time vaccines may be downloaded at this link.
It is not mandatory to complete the registration form prior to arrival for a COVID-19 vaccination, but is available for those who want to complete it before arriving.
Registration forms will be available at the vaccine site.
The health department continues to vaccinate groups 1 and 2 only.
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.
Meanwhile, a member of the COVID-19 team will be reaching out to those eligible for the second dose and will set up an individual appointment. “This will ensure that you receive your second dose timely, without having to leave hours early, and you will not be in a long line. Multiple providers will be involved to ensure that we can meet everyone's needs.”
For those who have not received a due date for the second vaccine and have not been contacted email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire as to why you have not been contacted.
Wait two weeks from the last vaccination of any kind before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Northampton County
The health department reported Friday there were 1,503 total positive cases of which 1,380 have recovered. There were 58 active cases. There have been 65 related deaths.
Thom Tillis statement
United States Senator Thom Tillis announced a $102,983,216.40 grant will be awarded to the North Carolina Emergency Management Agency from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to help with COVID-19 vaccine distribution across North Carolina.
“The COVID-19 vaccine must be distributed in a timely and effective manner, and I’m confident that this grant will help make it possible,” said Tillis. “With every administered vaccine, North Carolina gets one step closer to defeating this virus, which is why I’m pleased to announce this funding for our state’s vaccine distribution operation.”
