Labor Day Warning

The CDC is urging unvaccinated Americans to stay home this Labor Day and not travel.

 Officials with the CDC say those who are vaccinated should travel with precautions and to be aware of transmission risks when making plans.

 Reports say that nearly 62-percent of the country’s population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and that 52-point-6 percent are considered fully vaccinated.

 In a 7-day moving average, the CDC reports that there are nearly 150-thousand new cases daily across the US.

 Health officials further state for those who want to get together with family and friends over the holiday to do so outdoors.

 And for those who must be inside a public place, wear a mask; even those who are vaccinated.

Clergy Bill

Legislation that has received final General Assembly approval will allow clergy members into NC hospitals during a declared emergency like a pandemic.

The Senate gave the final okay to the bill Wednesday and will send it along to Governor Cooper.

The bill would allow ministers to visit a hospital-confined patient as long as they comply with health screenings and other infectious control measures that do not interfere with their religious beliefs.

COVID Update

Only one county in the Catawba Valley area Thursday reporting a change in COVID-19 numbers –

McDowell County reports 67 new cases for a total of 6-thousand-834.

781 people in McDowell are presently quarantined.

McDowell County health officials remind their residents that there are numerous vaccination clinics established throughout the county.

For their location or for questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call the vaccine-call center at 828-803-4552 between 8:30 am and 5 pm daily.

Wednesday’s report from Burke County Public Health showed a total of 12-thousand-867 cases, with more than 13-hundred cases active, and 35 hospitalized.

A reminder of a COVID vaccination clinic hosted by the Burke County Health Department today at Fonta Flora Brewery from 5 to 7pm.

Sex Charges

A cyber-tip from the SBI leads to the arrest of an Iredell County man on sex charges.

The Special Victims Unit of the Iredell Sheriff’s Office received the tip earlier this week that indicated the suspect possessed child porn.

An investigation led to the arrest of 64-year-old Tony Ernest Bunton of Statesville on Tuesday.

Reports say detectives seized several electronics and other items of evidence.

Bunton was taken to the Iredell Detention Center and charged with four counts of felony third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

He was given a 100-thousand dollar secured bond.