ROCKINGHAM — The COVID-related death count in Richmond County inches closer to 100, with the 97th reported on Tuesday.
This makes the fourth COVID-related death announced by the Richmond County Health Department this month.
It appears the unnamed resident died in a hospital, making 70 in that location, according to a press release. Additionally, 23 have passed away in another healthcare facility and four have died outside of a health setting.
According to the Health Department, the race and gender breakdown is as follows: 17 African American females, 14 African American males, two “other race” females, one “other race” male, two Hispanic females, two American Indian males, 29 Caucasian females and 30 Caucasian males.
Previous reports showed different numbers.
All patients have been between the ages of 31 and 95: 27 have been 80 or older; 29 have been in their 70s; 28 in their 60s; 10 in their 50s; two in their 40s and one who was 31.
There have now been 44 so far this year, including 13 in February and 23 in January. There were also 15 in October and 13 in December of 2020.
There have been 12,987 COVID-related deaths in North Carolina as of May 24, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
On Monday, the Health Department reported eight new cases of the coronavirus, with two residents hospitalized. DHHS reported a recent low of 525.
Statewide hospitalizations have remained below 700 for several days. FirstHealth’s census doesn’t appear to have been updated since May 17.
According to DHHS, there are 12,950 Richmond County residents (28.9%) who are partially vaccinated and 12,076 (26.9%) who are fully vaccinated. Those numbers differ slightly from a May 17 graph showing the percentage of vaccinations — 30% full, 32.9% partial — toward the county’s 66% goal.
The Health Department is offering several free vaccine clinics: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8-11 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available with no appointment needed. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one recommended for ages 12 and up.
Health and Human Services Director Dr. Tommy Jarrell says parents who would like to have their 12-17 year olds vaccinated can make an appointment by calling 910-417-4909.
Jarrell said vaccines are also available at several local pharmacies and physicians’ offices.
