COVID-19 UPDATE

20 new positive cases of COVID-19 Wednesday as reported by Burke County public health officials pushing the current total in Burke to 2-thousand-426 positives.

302 cases are active, 2-thousand-66 are recovered, and 7 remain hospitalized according to figures on the county’s website.

McDowell County reported 10 new positive cases, with a total of 950 positives.

A news release says 105 are in quarantine and 817 are out of quarantine.

Autumn Care of Marion is the scene of another COVID-19 outbreak in McDowell.

3 staff members and 3 residents there have tested positive for the virus.

Also public health continues to investigate an outbreak at the Marion Correctional Institute where 6 staff members have tested positive.

 Caldwell County reported the 29th COVID related death, as the patient was between the

ages of 65-74 with underlying medical conditions. Caldwell reported 22 new positive cases on Wednesday for a total of 1-thousand-713 with Catawba County reporting as additional 33 new cases for a total of 3-thousand-207.

Car Fire and Death

An investigation continues into the death of a person whose body was discovered inside a burned camper Tuesday in the WalMart parking lot.

Morganton Public Safety officers and firefighters were called to the fire scene last night just after 7.

Upon their arrival, reports say the recreational vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.

Once the outside of the RV was extinguished, firefighters made their way inside the vehicle where they found the deceased individual.

Morganton’s Criminal Investigations Division then responded to the scene for further investigation.

Officials say they will release updates in the case as they become available.

Phase 3 Begins

NC moves to Phase 3 of reopening later this week as announced by Governor Cooper.

Wednesday’s announcement comes just days before Phase 2-point-5 was set to expire.

Phase 3 begins Friday October 2^nd at 5 pm and goes through Friday October 23^rd.

The governor states that during Phase 3, the at-risk population is still safer at home, as he urged everyone over 65 and those with health risks to take responsibility in their choices.

With Phase 3, bars, movie theaters, and outdoor amusement parks may reopen; but with restrictions.

Bars may operate ‘outdoors only’ at 30-percent of outdoor capacity or 100 guests – whichever is less.

And the 11 pm curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption at restaurants and outdoor bars remains in place.

Movie theaters may open indoor spaces to 30-percent capacity or 100 seated guests whichever is less.

Outdoor amusement parks will now be able to open at 30-percent occupancy.

Likewise, smaller outdoor entertainment venues may operate outdoors at 30-percent capacity or 100 guests, whichever is less.

Larger outdoor venues with seating greater than 10-thousand may operate with 7-percent occupancy for spectators with other safety measures.

And Phase 3 continues mandatory face coverings for everyone over the age of 5.

Asst. Superintendent Move

Burke County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. David Fonseca will be assuming a new position beginning November 1^st.

A news release issued Wednesday says Fonseca has been selected as the next superintendent of Martin County Schools.

Fonseca came to Burke’s school system in 2015 from Watauga County Schools where he also served as assistant superintendent.