COVID-19 UPDATE

The number of COVID-19 cases in Burke drops to below 20; while the state reports the highest one-day increase of positives since the pandemic began.

Burke County is now up to 3-thousand-390 positive cases, an increase of 17 cases since Tuesday, according to a news release from Burke Public Health officials.

Of that total, Burke has 497 active cases, 2-thousand-824 cases having recovered, and 10 residents who are still hospitalized.

3-thousand-119 positive cases were reported statewide Wednesday, with hospitalizations in NC at 1-thousand-246, and positive testing climbing to 7-point-9 percent.

State health officials have advised people to avoid travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, and only gather with people in their household.

McDowell County reports 12 new positive cases and two additional virus-related deaths, with a total of 1-thousand-416, and 158 residents remain in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported the 37^th and 38^th COVID-19 related deaths, with both over the age of 75. New positive cases reported in Caldwell totaled 19 for a new total of 2-thousand-916.

In Catawba County, 56 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday for a current total of 5-thousand-368.

Hallyburton Academy Closes

A local elementary school transitions to remote learning this week following reported COVID-19 exposures.

Hallyburton Academy will follow Plan C instruction until November 19^th.

Officials with Burke County Public Schools say the building is closed for cleaning, while those who were exposed have been quarantined or isolated.

Parents were made aware of the situation on Monday reports say.

In addition, officials report students or staff members who had close contact with individuals testing positive will be notified.

Parents having questions about their child’s health are encouraged to contact their doctor or call the Burke County Health Department’s Public Information Line at 828-764-9168.

Shelby Homicide

A man was found dead Tuesday evening inside a car in Shelby, and authorities continue to look for a suspect.

Police responded to reports of shots being fired in the 800 block of Charles Road.

Upon their arrival reports say they located a 25-year-old black man in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in a wooded area off the roadway.

Police reports indicate the man was the sole occupant in the car.

Investigators say they are running down some leads and speaking with witnesses, but they have no suspects yet.

The name of the deceased is being withheld until the family can be notified.