ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Health Department reported a new COVID-19-related death of a county resident Monday morning, bringing the total to 135.

This marks 42 virus deaths since April 27, prior to which there hadn’t been a death since March 10. There have now been 83 local deaths in 2021. New COVID-19 cases and deaths have been increasing since early July, prompting the reinstatement of prior local social distancing guidelines.

The 135 COVID-19-related deaths in the county have ranged in age from 31 to 95. A further breakdown of the deaths indicate: 21 African American females, 23 African American males, 3 “other race” females, 1 “other race” male, 2 Hispanic females, 2 Hispanic male, 2 Native American males, 42 Caucasian females and 39 Caucasian males. One hundred and five of the deceased have died in a hospital, 23 have died at another healthcare facility and seven have died outside of a hospital or healthcare facility setting. The age ranges for the deceased are as follows:

Age Range:

• 30-39: 3

• 40-49: 8

• 50-59: 19

• 60-69: 38

• 70-79: 33

• 80 & up: 34

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.

Starting Sept. 20, tests will be available from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday. On Sept. 29 there will be a new COVID-19 testing site at the Cole Auditorium, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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 and Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.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.