Friday, January 15, 2021

 

Vaccine for 65-Plus

State health officials Thursday have authorized vaccine providers to vaccinate adults 65 years and older and all health care workers.

A news release says these vaccinations will be followed by frontline essential workers, adults with high risk of exposure and increased risk of serious illness, and then all who wish to take the vaccine.

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states are making the vaccine available in phases.

Currently, Burke and surrounding counties are beginning to move into Phase 1-B after vaccination efforts have initially been geared toward frontline health care workers.

Now with the new state directive issued yesterday, those aged 65 and older may schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination as providers are ready and as they have the vaccine available.

Burke County does not have the ability to expand the 75 plus age group getting vaccinated to include the 65-74 age group. Burke needs to vaccinate more of the 75 plus group before they can include the 65-74 ages due to limited vaccine supply.

To schedule a vaccine appointment for those eligible in Burke County, call 580-6147.

The number is currently manned Monday through Wednesday 8 am to 5 pm.

Catawba County has also established a vaccination appointment line; 828-695-6650.

The line is manned Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Officials anticipate an extremely high volume of calls but report they will be working to schedule appointments for all who are eligible.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge, regardless of having insurance.

For more information on the vaccine, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.


Burke COVID-19 Related Deaths

Nine COVID-19 deaths were reported Thursday by Burke County Public

Health, bringing the county’s total to 101, since the pandemic began in

March. One individual was in their 40’s, two in their 60’s, 4 in their 70’s,

and two in their 80’s, with six hospitalized and three not hospitalized,

before later dying from COVID related complications.


Area COVID-19 Update

Burke County Public Health reported 44 new cases of COVID-19

Thursday afternoon, with a total now of 7-thousand-677 and 33 people

in the hospital. McDowell County saw an increase of 26 positive cases of

the virus for a total of 3-thousand-779 and 532 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County reported 68 additional cases of coronavirus for a total

of 7-thousand-254, with 49 patients hospitalized.

Catawba County reported 101 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, for

a total of 13-thousand-540, with 107 people hospitalized.


Sex Offenders

A Lincoln County man was arrested Wednesday on child sexual assault charges.

34-year-old Curtis Wayne Johnson of Lincolnton declined to be interviewed by investigators and was detained at his workplace in Gastonia after warrants were issued.

Lincoln County detectives began their investigation in November after receiving information regarding the sexual assault of a 16-year-old child.

Reports say the victim was known to Johnson, and was interviewed at the child advocacy center where she disclosed the assaults.

Johnson has been charged with two felony counts each of statutory rape and taking indecent liberties with a child.

He was jailed under a 40-thousand dollar secured bond.

Meanwhile, a convicted sex offender in McDowell County is charged with a registry violation after failing to report an address change.

34-year-old Christopher Lee England of Habitat Drive in Marion was convicted in 2008 with second-degree sex offense and sexual battery.

After his release from prison in 2014, he is required to report any change of address to local authorities within three business days of moving.

Reports with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office say England registered an address at Mellow Yellow Drive in Marion, but investigators discovered his true residence on Habitat Drive. 

 


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