KINSTON — The Lenoir County Health Department is reporting five additional deaths in the county of residents who had tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of deaths with county  residents who’d tested positive for the virus to 99. All five deaths occurred since Jan. 24. 

Three of the victims were older than 65 and two were younger than 65; all five had underlying health  conditions. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information will be released. 

“It saddens me greatly to have to report the deaths of five more residents in our county,” Lenoir County  Health Department Director Pamela Brown said. “Please keep the families of these residents in your  thoughts and prayers.” 

Accurate information about COVID-19 and prevention methods can be found at https://www.cdc.gov or  https://www.ncdhhs.gov or by calling 866-462-3821. Having accurate information will assist you in  protecting yourself, your family and your community.