COVID Death and Update

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout the state and country, Burke County Public Health Tuesday reported another virus-related death.

Health officials report the individual was in their 50’s and was hospitalized.

Burke’s death toll now amounts to 171.

Tuesday’s figures from the database on the county’s website show Burke with 41 additional COVID-19 cases since Monday for a total of 10-thousand-828.

400 cases are reported to be active, and 14 are hospitalized.

McDowell County Tuesday afternoon reported 25 more cases of the virus from Monday for a total of 5-thousand-428.

154 McDowell residents are in quarantine.

NC Vax Incentive

As part of its effort to help protect more of the state’s residents against COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant, NC will soon be offering 100-dollar summer cards at some vaccine sites.

A news release states the money cards will help residents to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.

Beginning today through August 31^st, the 100-dollar summer cards are available to those 18 and older who get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a participating site; while supplies last.

In addition to the summer card, NC continues to offer 25-dollar cards to those who drive others to their vaccination appointments.

They receive the 25-dollar card each time they drive someone to a first-dose appointment at the completion of the vaccination.

Reports show that more than 61-percent of NC adults have received at least one vaccine dose.

Health officials say in Western NC, new cases have risen about 50-percent; while the Delta variant is responsible for 80-percent of new cases.

Those interested in the 100-dollar summer card or driver’s card should call 888-675-4567 to find a participating vaccination site.

Hot Car Event

Statistics reveal that an average of 39 children across the US die annually from heat exposure while inside a vehicle.

To help prevent such a tragedy, the NC Department of Insurance and the Office of the state fire marshal are hosting a ‘hot car event’ Thursday August 5^th from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm at the McDowell Recreation Department at 25 Academy Street in Marion.

Thursday’s event is sponsored by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and McDowell Parks and Recreation.

State officials will be on hand to demonstrate how quickly the temperature in a car can rise.

NC ranks 6^th in the nation for heatstroke deaths in children under the age of 14.

Free refreshments will be on hand at the event, while the recreation department will offer free swimming from 11am to 4pm.

Hickory Memorial

A Hickory community came together Monday evening to honor the memory of a teenage girl who was killed in a hit-and-run incident Saturday.

Reports say 17-year-old Brianna Page was walking to work at a Bojangles restaurant on 20^th Street in Hickory early Saturday when she was struck and killed.

18-year-old Cesar Lozano Mendoza of Hickory is charged in the case.

The group of mourners came together to pray, light candles, release balloons, and sing Amazing Grace.

Mendoza was issued a 15-thousand dollar bond that he reportedly was able to post shortly after being taken into custody.

He initially fled the crime scene, but turned himself in to authorities about 11 hours after the crash.