COVID-19 Update 

Burke County Public Health reported Wednesday a total number of

9-thousand-460 positive cases of COVID-19 since the panademic began.

Active cases number 427, with 7 patients hospitalized.

McDowell County reported 24 new cases of coronavirus for a total of

4-thousand-721, with 112 residents in quarantine.

Caldwell County saw an increase of 33 new cases of the virus yesterday

for a total of 8-thousand-716, with 14 people in the hospital.

Caldwell County reported 25 additional cases of COVID-19 for a total of

17-thousand-115, and 20 people are hospitalized.

Mission Visitor Restrictions Relaxed 

Mission Health hospitals eased visitor restrictions yesterday, from the

previous level two. Two visitors per inpatient are now allowed during

regular visitor hours. Patients who are hospitalized overnight may have

one patient remain with them and outpatient surgery patients are limited

to one visitor. ER patients at branch hospitals, including Mission Hospital

McDowell, may have two visitors with them. 

Three Arrests 

An investigation at a Morganton residence results in charges against

three people. Burke detectives conducted a search at a Silver Creek

Church Road residence on February 25^th, where was it determined that

Bruce Allen Hanna was in possession of and distributing multiple

controlled substances. A firearm was also seized and counterfeit

$100 bills. Also arrested were Randy Festus Norman, Sr. of Mountain

Breeze Drive Morganton for Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon and

Kayla Renee Allman of Conover for Felony Possession of Methamphetamine.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene with personnel from N.C.

Probation and Parole, N.C.State K9 Units and Burke County EMS.