The percentage of positive COVID-19 cases in Halifax County took another downward turn this week — going from last week’s 17.4 percent to the 12.1 percent included in today’s report.

There were also less new positive cases reported today — 120 — compared to last week’s reported number of 226.

The Halifax County Health Department today also added five deaths related to the virus, bringing the total to 173.

The 120 new positive cases added today brings the cumulative total since March of 2020 to 13,398.

Of those positive cases 12,575 — 93.23 percent — have recovered and 741 patients — 5.49 percent — have not recovered.

The health department said in the report it encourages residents to get fully vaccinated and boosted. “Until we have a much larger number of citizens that are fully vaccinated and boosted, COVID will continue to mutate and a return to normal will be delayed.  Vaccines are available at the Halifax County Health Department and multiple sites within Halifax County.” 

The health department also encourages residents to follow the Three Ws — waiting 6-feet part, washing hands regularly and wearing a facial covering — aggressively.

As far as masks, the health department said the Centers for Disease Control is recommending wearing the N95 mask, which it says provides two-way protection — preventing the spread and protecting those who wear it from getting the virus.

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Roanoke Rapids Graded School District

The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to move to an optional face covering setting beginning Monday for all students, staff, and guests without any stipulations.

The vote included that students and staff will continue to be required to wear face coverings on all RRGSD transportation and in the Head Start program, as is required by current federal regulations.  

The update to the Toolkit allows schools to end contact tracing, and no longer requires students or staff members who were a close contact to a person who tested positive for COVID-19 to quarantine. This change also goes into effect Monday.

Individuals who test positive must quarantine for five days and continue to wear a mask for five additional days after their quarantine period ends. Individuals unable or unwilling to wear a face covering for the additional five days will need to remain home. 

Total number of positives by zip code beginning March 25, 2020 – today

Enfield (27823) –1,844 cases

Halifax (27839) – 703 cases

Hobgood (27843) – 265 cases

Hollister (27844) – 841 cases

Littleton (27850) – 1,198 cases

Roanoke Rapids (27870) – 7,485 cases

Scotland Neck (27874) – 1,018 cases

Weldon (27890) – 607 cases

Number of New COVID-19 Total Cases per 100,000 Persons by County of Residence

Halifax County has dropped significantly in the number of cases per 100,000 persons by county of residence. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Transmission Map

Halifax County is highlighted in red showing a high level of community transmission.  

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Race/Ethnicity

The numbers for the past week decreased.

Percent Positive of COVID-19 Cases

The percent positives has decreased over the past week with an average of 12.1 percent as of today compared to 17.4 percent last week.

Cases by Date of Earliest Illness Identification and Age  

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

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

The numbers for the past week decreased.

Halifax County Vaccination Status 

28,440 people at least partially vaccinated — 57 percent of the population

26,312 people fully vaccinated — 53 percent of the population

12,181 people vaccinated with one booster

Northampton County

The health department reported Wednesday there have been 4,218 total positive cases of which 4,105 have recovered. There were 36 active cases. There have been 77 related deaths.