ROCKINGHAM — For the first time in more than a month, there are no Richmond County residents currently hospitalized with COVID-19.
The last time that occurred was March 31, according to daily updates from the Richmond County Health Department. Since that time, local hospitalizations reached as high as seven on April 22.
There were also no hospitalizations recorded March 15-18, 22 or 23.
Aside from the days previously mentioned, there has been at least one COVID-related hospitalization since at least April 28 2020, with the most (27) recorded Jan. 27, 2021.
There were 933 people hospitalized across the state Tuesday, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
FirstHealth reported Tuesday that 16 of its 389 patients were COVID-positive.
On Wednesday, the Health Department reported nine new cases, bringing the cumulative total since April 2020 to 4,670.
New COVID cases continue to remain relatively low, with 57 reported so far in May, for an average of 4.75 per day.
Statewide daily numbers have remained below 2,600 for more than a month, with a recent low of 699 reported Tuesday, according to DHHS. There were 1,493 reported Wednesday.
To date, the state has had 986,443 positive cases and 12,830 deaths, including 94 in Richmond County.
Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that a CDC committee supports use of Pfizer’s vaccine for children aged 12-15. Currently the vaccine is authorized for those 16 and up and is the only one recommended for teens.
Last week, Health and Human Services Director Dr. Tommy Jarrell said 25 teens were administered a vaccine with parental consent, adding that more clinics would be scheduled, “as demand is there.”
DHHS records show that 12,703 people, 28.3% of the county’s population, are at least partially vaccinated and 11,631 (25.9%) are fully vaccinated.
The Health Department on Wednesday posted a vaccine tracker graphic, showing an 80% goal and numbers differing from the state.
There are several upcoming community clinics with no appointment necessary for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines:
- May 17 – Memorial Park Gym, Hamlet 2-5 p.m.
- May 24 – Freedom Baptist Church, Rockingham, 2-5 p.m.
For adults, vaccinations are available Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8-11 a.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Health Department — except Saturday, May 29 and Monday, May 31 — with no appointment.
Parents who wish to have their children vaccinated (currently limited to age 16 and 17) can call 910-417-4909 to arrange an appointment. COVID-related questions, including vaccine, can be addressed by calling the COVID Hotline at 910-417-4947.
(Note: Vaccine tracker graphic added 6:47 p.m. 5-12-21)
