ROCKINGHAM – The Richmond County Department of Health announced the second COVID-related death of the day and more than 30 new cases on Thursday afternoon.
The most recent death increases the county’s total to 112 since April 2020. Earlier in the day, the health department reported the death of a “different race” woman in her 50s.
According to the Department of Health, the breakdown by race and gender is as follows: 19 African American women, 16 African American men, three “other race” women, one “other race” man, two Hispanic women, two Native American men, 35 Caucasian women, and 34 Caucasian women Men.
All patients were between 31 and 95 years old: 31 were 80 years or older; 30 were in their 70s; 33 in their 60s; 14 in their 50s; three in their 40s and one who was 31.
Of the deaths in the county, 84 were in a hospital, 22 died in another health facility, and six died outside a health facility.
Based on previous reports, the last death was that of a Caucasian woman in her 60s who died in a hospital.
This is the 15th COVID-related death since June 28th and the 59th this year.
According to Thursday’s COVID update, 31 new cases have been diagnosed in the past 24 hours – the highest total in a day since 44 were reported on February 23.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services reported 5,900 new cases across the state.
The latest update from the Department of Health did not include hospital admissions, but it was 20 as of Wednesday.
The neighboring counties of Scotland and Moore had the highest daily rate of COVID-related hospitalizations in the state from July 20 to August. 2 with 43 or 41 per 100,000 inhabitants. Fifteen counties, including Richmond, had no data on the map published by DHHS.
FirstHealth officials said Thursday that the regional chain is “feeling” the burden of the recent surge in cases where 100 patients – up from 91 the previous day – are being treated for COVID at their four hospitals.
Both FirstHealth and the Scotland Health Care System have visiting restrictions.
More than 2,400 people across the state were hospitalized with COVID on Wednesday, according to DHHS.
Nearly 16,000 Richmond County residents are fully vaccinated for 36% of the total population and 42% of the eligible population. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one currently authorized to be given to adolescents 12 years and older.
Vaccines are available from the health department Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free of charge and without making an appointment.
There are also upcoming vaccine clinics planned at the Dobbins Heights Community Center, where Seafoodie will be giving away free plates, and at Richmond Community College.