COVID-19 UPDATES

Caldwell County is reporting another outbreak in the County since the novel covid

virus was first seen in March.  This outbreak is at the N.C. Department of Public

Safety’s Caldwell Correctional Center.  Two employees there have tested positive

for Covid-19.  The facility is working closely with the Health Department to slow

the spread of the virus.  The County now has 519 cases of Covid-19 of which 254

have recovered and 15 have been hospitalized.  Catawba County has 40 new

Cases of Covid 19 bringing the total there to 1, 011.  454 have recovered and 17

are hospitalized.  McDowell County has 8 new Covid-19 cases for a total of 248. 

175 patients in McDowell County are out of quarantine.

NC continues an upward trend with record-high hospitalization numbers and the 12^th straight day of one-thousand-or-more new cases of COVID-19.

There are 982 residents across the state hospitalized with the virus, while well-over 74 thousand have tested positive.

Burke County public health this afternoon reports 1-thousand-93 positive cases in Burke.

Of those cases, 236 remain active, 7 are hospitalized, and 836 are presumed recovered; according to the county’s website.

In a news release, Burke health officials recommend testing for residents who have been in close contact with others for more than 10 to 30 minutes without a face covering.

They report though it is better to wait 4 to 7 days after exposure before getting tested, for result accuracy.

The release states a test performed too soon after exposure could result in an inaccurate reading.

Should you have further questions regarding testing, call the county’s public information line at 764-9168.

Two Arrested for Felony B& E in Alexander County 

Two individuals were arrested for felony breaking and entering after Alexander

Sheriff’s deputies found them in possession of a black trash bag full of different

food items, and a 5 gallon can of gas from a residence off Highway 127 in the

Ellendale Community.  53 year old Larry Allen Miller of Conover and 48 year old

Renae Chandler Michael of Charlotte were taken into custody and charged

additionally with attempted larceny and misdemeanor breaking and entering. 

Both were placed in jail under twenty thousand dollar secured bonds after the

Sunday afternoon incident.

Marion Man Charged With Statutory Rape 

A twenty- one year old Marion Man has been charged with statutory rape.  The

McDowell County Sheriff’s office says Christian Guardian is charged in connection

with an inappropriate relationship with a 15 year old female.  No further

information was released.

City of Hickory Seeks Input 

The city of Hickory and West Hickory/Westmont Neighborhood Association have

developed a survey and will be distributing it to property owners to help update

the neighborhood plan.  Residents are asked to respond to the basic information. 

Printed surveys will also be available at City Hall, 76 North Center Street and

Bethany Lutheran Church, 1644 Main Avenue Drive North West.  Surveys can be

completed online by visiting www dot hickorync dot gov slash westhickory. 

Completed surveys must be returned by Friday, July 24^th.