ROCKINGHAM — The number of Richmond County residents who have died as a result of complications from COVID-19 has risen to 150, the Health Department announced on Wednesday.
This is the third consecutive COVID-related death reported by the Health Department this week and the sixth for the month of November. Aside from the three this week, there was a death reported each on Nov. 1, 15 and 18.
According to the Health Department, the updated race and gender breakdown is as follows: 22 African American females, 25 African American males, three “other race” females, one “other race” male, two Hispanic females, three Hispanic males, two American Indian males, 48 Caucasian females and 44 Caucasian males.
All patients have been between the ages of 31 and 95: 36 have been 80 or older; 37 have been in their 70s; 40 in their 60s; 24 in their 50s; eight in their 40s; and five in their 30s.
Of the county’s deaths, 118 have been at a hospital, 25 have passed away in another healthcare facility and seven have died outside of a health setting.
Based on previous reports, the most recent death is that of a Caucasian man in his 70s. The other two COVID-related deaths this week have been of Caucasian men: one in his 50s and another in his 70s.
Richmond County’s first COVID-related death was reportedly shortly after the first few cases in April of 2020. There were 52 reported last year and there have been 97 so far this year: 23 in each January and August; 13 in February; and 11 in September.
North Carolina has recorded a total of 18,676 COVID-related deaths — an increase of 24 from the previous day — according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Health Director Cheryl Speight told the RO that there have been no flu deaths reported this year and flu cases aren’t reported to the Health Department. She added that she has not heard of widespread flu in the county.
Out of more than 4,000 samples, NCDHHS reported 39 flu cases statewide the week of Nov. 7-13.
The Health Department reported 13 new cases on Wednesday, bringing this week’s updated case total to 33. There are currently 68 active cases, with five patients hospitalized.
As of noon Wednesday, 19,978 residents have been vaccinated, accounting for 45% of the entire population and 53% of those 12 and older.
Vaccinations were recently authorized for children as young as 5 and booster shots are now available for all vaccinated adults.
COVID vaccinations and boosters are available at the Health Department from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8-5, and 8-11 a.m. on Fridays with no appointment needed.
