ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Health Department reported the 95th and 96th COVID-19-related deaths of county residents Tuesday morning. The last death was reported on May 4, and prior to that there was a death on April 27 and then March 10.
The 96 COVID-19-related deaths in the county have ranged in age from 31 to 95. A further breakdown of the deaths indicate: 18 African American females, 13 African American males, two “other race” females, one “other race” male, two Hispanic females, two Native American males, 29 Caucasian females and 29 Caucasian males. Sixty-nine of the deceased have died in a hospital, 23 have died at another healthcare facility and four have died outside of a hospital or healthcare facility setting. The age ranges for the deceased are as follows:
Age Range:
• 30-39: 1
• 40-49: 2
• 50-59: 10
• 60-69: 28
• 70-79: 29
• 80 & up: 26
Free Covid-19 testing is being offered at Richmond County Health Department (back parking lot-behind building) located at 127 Caroline Street in Rockingham, North Carolina. Anyone seeking testing should enter the Greene Street entrance and follow signs to the back of building to testing center. The times available are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
These tests do not require a patient to be experiencing symptoms, to have a doctor’s note, nor to have insurance. The wait time for results is roughly the same as the wait following a test with FirstHealth.
Getting vaccinated
Vaccines are available free of charge at the Health Department. The times available are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Anyone age 18 and over can receive the Moderna and Pfizer are available with no appointment needed. Parents of children ages 12-17 who want the Pfizer vaccine for their child can call 910-417-4909 to schedule an appointment.
Vaccines are also available at several local pharmacies and some physician offices.