ROCKINGHAM — New COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Richmond County, with numbers increasing each week to statistics not seen since February.
The Richmond County Health Department on Wednesday reported 148 new cases — an increase of more than 30 from the previous week — averaging out to 21 cases per day.
The daily case average is more than the weekly numbers from June and the totals have climbed:
- June 23 – 15
- June 30 – 21
- July 7 – 38
- July 14 – 69
- July 21 – 93
- July 28 – 113
As of Wednesday, 175 residents were under home isolation — the most since Feb. 15 when that statistic stood at 181.
The Health Department also reported 16 hospitalizations. This makes the third consecutive week with 10 or more residents in a hospital with the coronavirus.
The last time there were 16 local COVID-related hospitalizations was Feb. 10. That number peaked at 27 on Jan. 21.
Statewide daily cases hit a low of 55 of June 26 but have mostly climbed continuously since, topping out at 3,413 on Wednesday, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
COVID-related hospitalizations across the state have also risen over the past month, hitting 1,580 on June 3.
When the last County Alert System report was issued July 22, Richmond County was the only one of the state’s 100 counties listed as having critical community spread.
County Manager Bryan Land said Tuesday evening that the Health Department is averaging 30 first-dose vaccinations each day.
While only 35% of the county is fully vaccinated, Land said that 41% of those eligible for the vaccine have taken it. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one currently with authority to be administered to those as young as 12.
The county’s goal is to have 66% of the population vaccinated.
County statistics show older residents have taken the vaccine more than younger age groups.
The number of fully vaccinated residents by age group (as of Tuesday) are as follows:
- 75 and older – 77%
- 65-74 – 74%
- 50-64 – 54%
- 25-49 – 28%
- 18-24 – 17%
- 12-17 – 10%
The county has had six COVID-related deaths since July 30, bringing the total to 107 since April of 2020. Of those, three were in their 80s, two were in their 70s, and one was in their 50s.
Drive-thru testing is available from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. in the parking lot behind 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.
