COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health reported 26 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday for a cumulative total of  3-thousand-501 positive cases; with 12 remaining hospitalized.

McDowell County health officials Friday reported 21 new positives, and one additional virus-related death. McDowell's positive total now number 1-thousand-458, with 160 residents in quarantine.

Catawba County on Sunday reported 56 additional cases of coronavirus for a current total of 5-thousand-722 and 44 patients are hospitalized.

In Caldwell County Friday, 34 new cases of COVID-19 were reported for a new total of 2-thousand-988 with people hospitalized. The Health Department learned of a cluster of cases at CCC & TI in Hudson as five students in the women's basketball program tested positive. All team activities have been suspended until further notice. Also, an outbreak reported at Comserv Playmore Residential Facility, where three staff members and two clients tested positive for COVID-19.  

Burke County health officials in Friday’s news release reminds residents of the Governor’s new executive order that goes into effect that day.

No gatherings can exceed the established limits of the order – 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.

Officials further stress that outdoor activities are always preferred over indoor, since being outdoors can help reduce the spread of the virus.

Student With Gun

A Lincoln County middle school student, reports say, took a gun with him onto school campus Thursday morning.

A news release says the 8^th grade student accidently took the firearm from home and discovered it whenever he opened a medical bag that he is required to carry at East Lincoln Middle School.

The 13-year-old informed his teacher that the gun was inside the bag, and further told school officials he didn’t know how the weapon got there.

Reports say the school resource officer secured the gun, while officials confirm the weapon was at no time displayed in the classroom, and that no students were ever in danger.

One of the student’s guardians told officials she had placed the gun in the medical bag over the weekend when the family had gone to ride ATVs at Brown Mountain, and she had forgotten to remove it.

The matter concerning the student will be turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice; while the guardian was issued a citation for failure to store a firearm to protect minors.

 

 

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