COVID-19 Update

Burke County has now passed 8,000 cases of positive COVID-19 since

the pandemic began in March. Active cases total 1-thousand-707, with

29 people hospitalized.

In McDowell County, 40 new cases of coronavirus were reported yesterday

for a total of 3-thousand-964. Four additional deaths were reported for

a total of 58 with 453 McDowell residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported three deaths, two over 75, with one between

65 and 74. Two had underlying health conditions. 58 additional cases of

the virus brings Caldwell’s total to 7-thousand-564 with 55 people hospitalized.

Catawba County saw an additional 110 cases of the virus Wednesday, for

a total of 14-thousand-281, with 105 patients in the hospital.

Burke Hospice Virtual Grief Program

Burke Hospice & Palliative Care is now offering a virtual grief support

program – Walking Through Grief. Due to restrictions from COVID-19

those faced with loss are having to learn how to handle grief differently

and may feel isolated with their grief. The nine-week program begins on

Thursday, February 4^th and concludes on Thursday April 1^st. The virtual

group will meet weekly at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the families served by

Burke Hospice, the support group is also open to anyone in the community.

For more information, visit www.burkehospice.org.

Drug and Weapon Charges

A Caldwell County man faces drug and weapon charges in Catawba County.

Hickory Police, Wednesday morning, charged 46-year-old Elijah Gibbs of

Lenoir, with Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Possession

with Intent to Manufacture, Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, and Possession

of Firearm by Felon. Bond was set at $140,000.

Asheville Overdose Deaths

The Asheville Police Department is warning the public of a potentially

dangerous batch of suspected fentanyl that may be circulating in the

community. Over a 48-hour period from last Thursday through Saturday,

APD responded to five deaths related suspected overdoses. Anyone with

any information regarding these deaths can contact Asheville Police at

828-252-1110.