COVID-19 UPDATE 

Burke County Public Health reported the 66th COVID-19 related death Monday. The patient in their 90's was hospitalized and later died from COVID-19 related complications. 41 new positive cases were reported in Burke, with 705 cases active and 14 residents are hospitalized. Burke total is now at 3-thousand-922.

McDowell County saw a near-record jump with 58 new cases of the virus, bringing the county's total to 1-thousand-642, with 190 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported the 40th COVID-19 related death, with the patient between the ages of 65-74, was hospitalized and with underlying health conditions. 43 new cases of coronavirus were added for a total of 3-thousand-285.

In Catawba County 60 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported Monday for a county total of 6-thousand-424.

Statewide figures show the largest number of virus-related hospitalizations Monday afternoon at 1-thousand-601 – the most since the pandemic started in March.

Governor Cooper's Executive Order

With COVID-19 numbers rising, Governor Cooper has issued an amended executive order tightening the statewide mask mandate.

The governor Monday afternoon said the statewide mask mandate has been in effect since June, and is the best way to fight the pandemic.

The governor’s amended order allows law enforcement to cite an individual for not complying with the mandate; and also to charge a business for failure to enforce the mask rule with their employees and/or clients.

The new order states individuals should wear a mask whenever with someone they don’t live with – at work, at the gym, at a store or restaurant, and at school.

Cooper stresses the next couple of weeks will be critical in reviewing data as to what the next move will be, and whether the state will again see more restrictions.

The new order goes into effect Wednesday at 5 pm prior to Thanksgiving celebrations and Black Friday shopping.

Traffic Stop

A traffic stop in McDowell County turns up drugs and a weapon last month.

62-year-old Francis Jackson Junior of Marion was a passenger inside a vehicle stopped for multiple traffic violations on October 20^th.

A search of Jackson and his area in the car turned up point-30 grams of meth, 1-point-6 grams of marijuana, and a knife.

Jackson was then charged with possession of meth, possession of up to one-half ounce of marijuana, and carrying a concealed weapon.