ROCKINGHAM — Although community transmission of COVID-19 is low, the virus appears to still be around.
The Richmond County Health Department reported Wednesday, June 1 that the total number of COVID cases has risen to 13,175 since the first case was reported in April of 2020.
Records from the Health Department show there have been 346 new cases since April 27: 151 from April 27-May 12; 86 from May 12-25; 109 from May 25-June 1.
More than 95% of recent statewide cases have been from the BA.2 Omicron variant, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDHHS shows Richmond County’s risk level as “medium,” along with other counties in the Sandhills. Nearby Anson, Montgomery and Randolph counties are labeled as being low risk for illness and strain on the healthcare system.
There were also three additional COVID-related deaths locally reported sometime between April 27 and May 12, bringing the county’s total to 193. Those were the first deaths reported since March 8.
After peaking in mid-January, COVID-related hospitalizations dropped dramatically by March, according to NCDHHS. However, the percentage of emergency room visits with COVID symptoms has increased from 2-5%.
The Health Department is hosting a free COVID testing and vaccination event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at Edwards IGA on Airport Road in East Rockingham. All three vaccines — those manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — will be available for those who want them. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for children as young as 5.
