COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 cases continue to mount in Burke County as health officials report the addition of 33 new cases over the weekend for a total of 10-thousand-162.

The latest figures show 282 cases are active, while 5 individuals are hospitalized.

In McDowell County, 7 new virus cases were reported today bringing the county’s total to 5-thousand-99.

43 residents in McDowell are in quarantine.

The Burke County Health Department will be hosting a Moderna community vaccine Thursday May 20^th from 9 till 11 am in the parking lot of Valdese Weavers at 1000 Perkins Road Southeast Valdese.

The vaccine is approved for those 18 and older.

Walk-ins are welcome and the first or second dose of Moderna will be available.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit myspot.nc.gov online; or call 764-9150 and press 0 to speak to an operator.

Caldwell Cluster

Meanwhile, a cluster of COVID-19 cases has been identified within the Caldwell County School System.

Caldwell County health officials confirmed the cluster at Collettsville School.

A cluster is defined as a minimum of five cases with illness onset, or initial positive results within a 14-day period.

A news release states any student or staff member identified as a close contact has been notified, and all recommended quarantine procedures are being followed.

Caldwell County School officials report all safety protocols and procedures recommended by the state and the CDC for COVID prevention have been followed during the school year.

Health experts in Caldwell reported 13 new cases of the virus last Friday for a total there of 9-thousand-354, while 6 residents are hospitalized.

Toddler Shot

Cleveland County authorities say a two-year-old boy was shot Sunday morning in the Lawndale area.

Reports say the incident occurred around 10:30 yesterday morning, and was initially reported as a drive-by shooting; although investigators have not concluded that’s what actually took place.

The child was discovered with serious injuries inside a home.

He was later airlifted to a Charlotte hospital.

Officers have not made an arrest in the case.

Gun Possession

An investigation in McDowell County into a man firing shots outside his residence turns into an arrest.

On March 21^st, deputies arrived to find 43-year-old Michael Mashburn of Old Fort Sugar Hill Road in Old Fort firing the shots.

A convicted felon, reports say Mashburn was in possession of multiple firearms.

He was then charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.