COVID Death 

Another Burke County resident has died from COVID-19 complications as reported Thursday afternoon for a total now of 159 virus-related deaths.

According to a news release issued by the Burke County Health Department, the individual was in their 70’s and was hospitalized.

The latest figures show Burke with 10-thousand-102 total cases; 268 active and 6 residents in the hospital.

McDowell County reported 1 new case of the virus yesterday for a total of 5-thousand-90 positives.

65 residents remain quarantined in McDowell.

Vaccine Progress

The state’s department of Health and Human services Thursday announced more than 50-percent of adults 18 and older in NC have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

And more than 43-percent of the state’s adult population is fully vaccinated against the virus.

Health officials say if residents continue to work together, improve key metrics, and increase vaccination rates the state is poised to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions on June 1^st.

The state has set a goal to get two-thirds of adults vaccinated with at least one shot in order to lift the indoor mask mandate and lighten other public health recommendations.

To date, the state has administered more than 7-point-4 million vaccines.

Hospice Merger

Burke Hospice and Palliative Care and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care have merged to become one provider.

A news release issued yesterday states the merger went into effect May 1st.

The name for the new organization will be released in June.

There are no plans to close any facilities in Burke or Caldwell or to reduce the work force officials say, as the integration plan will take place over the next 12 to 18 months.

Presently, referral and admission processes at the two locations, along with patient care will remain the same.

Murder Sentence

A Maiden man is sentenced to serve at least 18 years in prison following his conviction for second-degree murder.

26-year-old Jeffrey Douglas Brittain had pleaded guilty to the September 2017 shooting death of 19-year-old Justin Tyler Smith.

Court reports show that the issues that led to Smith’s death revolved around a relationship he had with Brittain’s girlfriend.

On the day of the fatal shooting, Brittain and Smith had reports say been exchanging messages that included threats.

Reports further state Brittain and a co-defendant went to Smith’s home, where Brittain reportedly shot through a window; striking Smith and killing him.

The co-defendant’s case is still pending.