COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke Public Health reports 30 new positive cases of COVID-19 Thursday afternoon, with Burke’s total of positives now at 3-thousand-251.

Figures from the county’s website shows 481 cases as active, 2-thousand-683 as being recovered, and 7 as being still hospitalized.

In McDowell County, 8 new positive cases were reported, with a total of 1-thousand-324 positive cases. 112 McDowell residents remain in quarantine.

Catawba County reported an additional 106 new virus cases for a total of 4-thousand-986. And in Caldwell County, 19 new cases of COVID-19 for a county total of 2-thousand-727.

Holiday Gathering Tips

With Thanksgiving only three weeks away, Burke County public health officials issue reminders to those engaging in social gatherings.

Officials stress private or public gatherings between family members, friends, and neighbors pose a risk for transmission of COVID-19 along with the flu.

No gatherings can exceed the current limits within the Governor’s Executive Order of 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors.

Health experts say outdoor activities are always preferred over indoor events to help reduce the virus spread.

Officials recommend everyone wear face coverings at indoor gatherings and physically distanced from others at least six feet.

In a news release, public health urges residents to follow the basics – Do not host or attend a gathering if: you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you are waiting on COVID-19 test results, you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you have been told by a medical authority to quarantine or isolate, or you have been possibly exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Social gathering guidelines have been posted on the Burke County Health Department’s Facebook page.

 

Child Abductors

A Morganton couple was charged last month with child abduction after authorities found a missing child at their home.

A release issued by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy went to the Scott Road home of 36-year-old Jonathan Paul Holtsclaw and Samantha Leigh Bowman on October 9^th looking for the child.

The release indicates the investigation determined the child was a runaway, and Holtsclaw and Bowman told the officer they had not seen the child.

Then reports say deputies returned to the residence the following morning and located the child.

Both Holtsclaw and Bowman were charged with one felony count each of abduction of children, and were each issued 20-thousand dollar secured bonds.

They will both appear in court December 7^th.

  

Suspect Caught on Scene

Deputies in McDowell County nab a suspect at the scene of the crime.

On October 8^th, officers were called to a break-in in progress at a residence on Airport Road in Marion.

Upon arrival, lawmen found 50-year-old Kevin Gordon Elliott of Marion at the crime scene, with obvious signs he had broken into a pool house.

Nothing was reported missing; Elliott was charged with breaking and entering.