COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health reported a total 8,230 positive cases of COVID-19

on Saturday, which is 65 cases up from Friday’s briefing. Active cases number 

1-thousand-548 and 27 patients are hospitalized.

Caldwell County on Friday reported seven COVID-19 related deaths, four over

the age of 75, two between 65-74 and one between 50 and 64. Total positive

cases of the virus number 7-thousand-710 with 46 people in the hospital.

Catawba County Sunday saw an additional 140 cases of coronavirus for a total

of 14-thousand-724, and 107 patients hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 25 cases Friday for a total of 4-thousand-41,

with 332 residents in quarantine.

First NC COVID-19 Variant

The first case of the COVID-19 variant called B.1.1.7,  was reported Saturday

in North Carolina. The variant was identified from a Mecklenburg County adult.

In the U.S., 195 cases of B.1.1.7, had been reported as of Friday. This variant

may be more contagious than other variants. This variant was first detected

in the U.K. in December. Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective

against the new variant.

Rescue Squad Second Theft Suspect Captured

A second suspect wanted in connection with the theft of equipment from

the Burke County Rescue Squad has been captured. 19-year-old Nicholas

Tony Kirk of Morganton, reportedly fled the scene of the theft on St.Mary’s

Church Road. Nick Kirk was also wanted by Morganton Public Safety for

Breaking and Entering, Larceny, and Possession of Stolen Property

charges. The other suspect, Christopher Otstott was arrested Thursday

in the Oak Hill community. One of two ATV’s stolen was located in a remote

area of McDowell County. Up to $30,000 worth of equipment was stolen. 

Hickory Homicide Investigation

A 59-year-old Hickory man is dead after he is found on the sofa of his

residence, deceased from gunshot wounds. The Hickory Police Department

was called early Sunday morning to the home of Marty Lee Brown on

8th Avenue SE, after his wife told officers that she was awakened by two

women who told her that her husband was on the sofa injured. The women

who then left the scene, are not considered suspects. Brown’s wife found

her husband unresponsive. Anyone with information in this case is asked

to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.