Two additional cases of COVID-19 reported since Tuesday brings Burke County’s latest total to 99.

Recent figures shows Catawba at 56 positive cases, McDowell with 25, and Caldwell at 33.

Figures from Wednesday morning show 9-thousand-948 people in NC have tested positive for COVID-19, while 354 residents have died from virus complications.

Let’s remember our ‘furry’ family members as we continue to protect ourselves and others during this virus pandemic.

Although there are unknowns in how COVID-19 affects animals, the CDC and the veterinary community recommends you treat pets as you would other family members to protect them from a potential infection.

A news release from Burke County Animal Services recommends pet owners not let their animals interact with people or animals outside the household.

Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other people and animals.

Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from others, while avoiding dog parks or places where people and dogs may gather.

When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals should you become sick.

If you must care for your pets while sick, wear a cloth face mask and wash your hands before and after caring for them.

And call your veterinarian should your pet become sick.

The release states the risk that a pet would be a source of COVID-19 in a household is exceptionally low, while utilizing precautions.

Officials further state pets can provide important emotional support during challenging times.

A small portion of the Catawba River greenway is closed until further notice.

A  City of Morganton news release says crews are closing the part of the greenway running alongside fields 3 and 4 of the soccer complex, in order to allow construction to be completed in Phase 3 of the complex expansion.

The closure affects less than a quarter mile of the 4-point-5 miles of trail available for public use.

Citizens can contact Morganton Parks and Recreation at 438-5350 with questions or for more information.

McDowell County deputies are asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen dump truck and the suspect who took it.

An employee of IEM on Henry McCall Road in Marion reported Monday that someone had removed a 1999 Ford F-350 dump truck from the business sometime between 6pm Saturday and 11 Monday morning.

The cab is white, the truck’s bed is black and the passenger door is gray.

It has NC tag AX-2041.

Anyone having information about the theft should call Detective Watson at 652-2237 or McDowell Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.