COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County’s number of positive cases grows by 16 since Saturday; as health officials also report the 41^st virus-associated death.

In a news release, public health report the individual was in their 90’s, was hospitalized, but died from their underlying medical conditions.

The number of positive cases in Burke now stands at 2-thousand-181; with 213 cases reported as being active, 1-thousand-913 having recovered, and 8 being hospitalized.

Burke health officials stress the importance of giving correct names when getting a COVID-19 test.

They ask that test-takers give officials the name that is on your birth certificate, not a nickname or name you may go by.

They also ask you give your correct address so positive numbers can be directed and counted in the proper county.

Health workers in McDowell County reported 5 additional positive cases Monday, and also one additional death for a total of 830 positives and 27 deaths.

Catawba County reported 13 new cases Monday for a total of 2-thousand -847

while Caldwell County reported 9 new cases for a total of 1-thousand-557.

Flu Vaccine Urged

State health officials are urging NC residents to protect themselves, their families, and those around them to get vaccinated against influenza as the state enters flu season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CDC recommends a flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.

The flu vaccine can make the illness milder and reduce the risk of more serious outcomes; especially important for those at higher risk of complications – those over 65, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Some of those same groups are also at high risk of complications from COVID-19; which is why health officials say the flu vaccine is critically important.

In NC, flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring with activity usually peaking in January or February.

 

 BCPS Return

Burke County students and teachers returned to the classroom Monday as the first day of in-person learning this school year.

The school district is transitioning to Plan B after beginning the year as all-virtual.

Plan B allows some students in the classroom on Mondays and Thursdays, others attend Tuesdays and Fridays, while Wednesdays entail all-remote learning.

The plan thereby limits the number of students and teachers on campus at one time.

School officials in Burke report safety precautions are in place and are being enforced to keep everyone healthy; including hand washing requirements, social distancing, and face covering mandates.

Mail Theft

A Nebo man has been charged in connection to mail theft in McDowell County.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say that someone had stolen checks from a mailbox at Dover Insulation on US 70 West August 5^th.

28-year-old Joseph Devon Miller has been charged with larceny and forgery after Dover Insulation received a copy of one the checks.

The check had been altered to display Miller’s name in the Pay to the Order of section.