ROCKINGHAM — As the spread of COVID-19 seems to continue to slow down, both Richmond County and North Carolina are seeing lower case numbers than in recent months.
The Richmond County Health Department on Tuesday reported only four new cases — the fewest since only two were reported Nov. 5.
Richmond County Schools reported only one case involving a virtual student at Richmond Senior High.
The county currently has 56 active cases. Of those, 58 are in Rockingham, 12 in Hamlet, five in Ellerbe and one in Hoffman
The last time active cases totaled less than 60 was June 19, with 58. At that time, there had only been 227 cases, now 4,225; and five deaths, now 91.
Of the tests performed, 32,711 have returned a negative result.
The Health Department has reported 99 new cases this month, which includes the last two days of February, compared to more than 300 the first nine days of January.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday reported 997 new cases statewide, dipping below 1,000 for the first time in several months.
COVID-related hospitalizations across the state also continue to decline, dropping to 1,144 on Sunday and rising by three on Monday — the fewest since mid-November.
There are currently six Richmond County residents hospitalized with the virus and there were 17 in FirstHealth hospitals as of Wednesday.
According DHHS, 8,224 Richmond County residents are at least partially vaccinated and 2,338 have been partially vaccinated.
Currently, the only one of the three available vaccines is the two-shot inoculation manufactured by Moderna. A two-shot vaccine from Pfizer and a one-dose formula by Johnson and Johnson have both been given approval. State records show no one has been administered the one-shot dose.
Employees dubbed “essential frontline workers” — which include those working in critical manufacturing, education, grocery stores and in food and agriculture — are now eligible for the vaccine.
To sign up for the vaccine locally, call 910-417-3030 and leave your name, date of birth and phone number. Local health officials ask that callers not leave multiple messages.
Vaccinations aren’t restricted by residency.
To schedule an appointment in Scotland County, call 910-291-7654 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
