ROCKINGHAM — The number of new positive COVID-19 cases nearly tripled between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Richmond County Health Department on Wednesday reported 43 new cases, up from 16 the previous day. That is the highest one-day total since 44 were reported on Feb. 23.
There have been 669 new cases since July 29.
The number of current active cases has not been reported since Aug. 4.
Since the first case was reported in April of 2020, there have been 5,824 positive results and 52,833 negative results.
The Health Department stopped performing testing Wednesday afternoon due to storms moving through the area.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 6,130 new cases. Since Aug. 7, there have been 12 days with more than 5,000 cases, topping out at 7,020 Aug. 19.
As of Wednesday’s report, 15 county residents were hospitalized with COVID-19.
According to NCDHHS, 3,505 people across the state are in a hospital with the coronavirus.
FirstHealth reported on Wednesday that 86 out of 395 patients (22%) are COVID-positive. Of those:
- 76 are unvaccinated, 10 are vaccinated
- All 16 patients in ICU are unvaccinated
- All six patients on ventilators are unvaccinated
According to the Health Department, 16,403 (37%) Richmond County residents are fully vaccinated. The percentage of those eligible for the vaccine is 43%.
Earlier in the day, the Health Department reported two more COVID-related deaths, bringing the total to 122. There have been 19 in August.
Because of limited supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only one authorized for kids aged 12-17, the Health Department is limiting it to the younger population and giving the Moderna shot to adults. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is no longer available through the Health Department.
Vaccines are available at the Health Department Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays from 8-11 a.m. There is no charge and no appointment necessary.
