COVID Update

NC continues to surpass the 3-thousand mark with the daily addition of new COVID-19 cases.

State health officials Friday reported 3-thousand-199 additional COVID cases, with 1-thousand-168 people hospitalized with the virus throughout the state.

Figures show there have now been 13-thousand-635 deaths in NC from COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

Health experts say 94-percent of the state’s recent cases of the virus are in those not fully vaccinated.

Public health officials with Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties continue to report case numbers on a weekly basis.

McDowell County reports daily, documenting 26 new positives Friday for a total of 5-thousand-375.

Burke County reported 192 new cases last week for a total of 10-thousand-751.

293 cases remain active while 13 are still in the hospital.

A news release indicates the local rise in cases is coming from several factors – during the summer months, kids are attending camps, families are vacationing, and restrictions are being lifted.

As the statewide mask policy ended Friday, health officials continue to urge the public to assist with keeping the case count and hospitalization numbers as low as possible, by staying home when unwell and continuing wearing a mask if unvaccinated.

Officials also urge those who are vaccinated to wear a mask in high transmission areas as an added precaution.

Conversions and Closure

A City of Morganton alert for motorists –

The intersection at South College Street and West Concord Street has been temporarily converted into a four-way stop due to a traffic light malfunction.

Motorists are encouraged to approach the intersection with caution, and come to a complete stop before driving through the intersection.

City officials say the traffic light will be repaired; however, parts are not currently available.

Therefore, the intersection will remain a four-way stop until further notice.

And an announcement for the tennis enthusiast –

The Collett Street tennis courts will be closed for resurfacing beginning August 14^th.

The work is expected to be completed by month’s end.