ROCKINGHAM — For only the second reporting day this month, Richmond County had fewer than 10 new cases of COVID-19.
The Richmond County Health Department reported on Tuesday that nine residents had tested positive for the coronavirus since the previous update.
The only other day this month with fewer than 10 cases was Nov. 5, when two cases were reported.
There are currently 147 active cases, with 137 under home isolation and 10 hospitalized — an increase of two from Monday’s report.
There have so far been 319 new cases this month.
Statewide, the number of COVID-related hospitalizations rose to 1,724 on Monday, setting yet another new record, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Statistics show 121 additional residents with the coronavirus were admitted to hospitals in North Carolina in 24 hours.
Hospitalizations have been on the rise since Nov. 8 after remaining relatively steady the previous two weeks.
According to FirstHealth, 39 of its 373 patients (10.5%) are being treated for COVID-19.
The number of local hospitalizations had dropped to three earlier this month.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Health Department reported the county’s 39th COVID-related death, making it the fifth in November.
Free testing COVID in the parking lot behind the Human Services Complex on Caroline Street has been extended until Dec. 31. Testing will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, except for Thanksgiving Day and the day after.
Register for testing by visiting www.lhi.care and following the directions at the top or by calling 877-562-4850.
