COVID-19 Update

Burke County added 40 positive cases of COVID-19 to its total Wednesday, now amounting to 9-thousand-45.

932 cases remain active, and 8 residents are hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 12 new positive cases yesterday, bringing the total to 4-thousand-450.

228 residents in McDowell remain quarantined.

Caldwell County reported 37 new cases for a total of 8-thousand-194, with 29 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County added 94 virus cases for a total of 16-thousand-328 and 51 people are in the hospital.

Those 65 and older interested in receiving the vaccine are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the community call center in Burke County; 828-358-4454.

Health officials continue to ask for patience and understanding during the vaccine distribution, stating there remains more demand for the vaccine than there is supply.

Group 3 Vaccines

Educators will soon be first in line for COVID-19 vaccinations as Group 3 begins in two weeks. 

Governor Cooper announced that starting February 24^th teachers, school staff, and childcare providers in pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

The group includes custodians, bus drivers, and any other school staff.

In a news release from Burke County Public Health Wednesday, officials report frontline essential workers will be eligible for the vaccine beginning March 10^th; however, local officials expect further clarification as to the definition of a frontline essential worker before scheduling appointments for the vaccine.

The vaccine go-ahead for the schools comes as Cooper and NC Schools Superintendent Catherine Truitt has urged school districts across the state to reopen for in-person instruction.

Cooper along with state health and education leaders sent a letter to the state’s local school board members and superintendents encouraging the return to the classroom.

Reports say that students and teachers who are at risk for COVID-19 can still choose to learn remotely.

On Tuesday, NC health officials reported its smallest single-day case increase since late December.

Hospitalizations are also reported to be at their lowest since mid-December.

Sex Charges

A Lincoln County man has been charged with child sexual assault.

On January 13^th, Lincoln detectives received a report of a sexual assault of a child.

Reports say the child is related to the suspect and was interviewed at the Lincoln Child Advocacy Center where the alleged assaults were disclosed.

40-year-old Scott Douglas Zinn Junior of Denver has been charged with one felony count each of statutory rape of a child, statutory sexual offense, indecent liberties with a child, and child abuse involving a sexual act.

Zinn was arrested Wednesday, and is in custody under a 40-thousand dollar secured bond.

 

He is scheduled to make a first appearance in Lincoln district court Thursday.