COVID-19 UPDATES

Local Public Health officials report the 21^st COVID-19 associated death in Burke County. 

A news release indicates the individual was in their 70’s, was hospitalized, and died from complications associated with an underlying medical condition.

Officials continue to encourage residents to routinely practice the 3 W’s to reduce the spread of the infection.

Wear a cloth face covering when out in public and unable to physically distance yourself from others, wait at least 6 feet away from others, and wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

In addition, health experts say it is imperative for those testing positive to stay at home until your isolation time has been completed.

Burke County figures released this afternoon; currently 1-thousand-133 residents in Burke who have tested positive for the virus.

 Thursday marked the highest number of COVID hospitalizations in NC, and the second highest in number of new cases.

With a thousand-35 North Carolinians in the hospital with the virus, and more than 2-thousand new cases statewide since yesterday, Governor Cooper says there is still ample hospital and ICU-bed capacity.

In his address to the media this afternoon, Cooper says the disease continues to spread and though NC isn’t a surging hotspot like some states, it could be if we don’t stay strong in our fight.

Cooper also mentioned delays in getting test results back in that labs are slowing down in part due to a nationwide shortage of testing supplies.

In addition, the governor said he will make an announcement next week on schools and whether the state will lift any restrictions when the present executive order expires on July 17^th.

McDowell Thefts 

Items stolen from residents in McDowell County during the holiday weekend have authorities on the lookout for suspects.

 Darren Harris of Nebo told officers on July 3^rd that someone had removed his maroon 2008 Kia Optima from a residence on Bartlette Road in Marion.

 The vehicle displays an NC tag EMY-7131.

 elsewhere, Jeffrey Gardner of Old Fort reported thieves took a tan 1991 Cole pop-up camper from property on Boyce Road sometime July 1^st or 2^nd.

Anyone having information about either of these thefts is urged to contact the McDowell detective division at 652-2237 or Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME.

McDowell  Runaway

A news release from the McDowell Sheriff’s Office on Thursday says deputies are still on the hunt for a 15-year-old runaway.

Amanda Nevaeh Brown of Snyder Drive in Marion was last seen Tuesday on Triton Way in Old Fort at 7:30 in the evening.

She is a white female who stands 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, and has red shoulder-length hair, blue eyes, and a nose piercing.

Anyone having information about Brown’s whereabouts should call the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.