COVID Update

NC health officials Thursday reported a grim milestone has been reached – the number of state residents that have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began has now topped 15-thousand.

Meanwhile public health officials from Catawba County reports this week is the first time they saw deaths among people in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s.

They say during last year’s winter peak in December, the average age of a person who died from COVID-19 was 77; currently in Catawba the average age of those dying from the virus is 59.

And the virus numbers continue to grow – 231 additional cases in Burke County since Tuesday according to public health officials.

Burke’s total is now 13-thousand-518, with 1-thousand-333 active cases.

 41 Burke residents are in the hospital.

 McDowell County reported 32 new cases of COVID yesterday for a total of 7-thousand-215, with 2 additional deaths reported.

746 people in McDowell are currently in quarantine.

Health officials in the Catawba Valley counties agree that this week’s data is a grim reminder that COVID-19 has the upper hand.

Experts continue to encourage those who are unvaccinated to get the vaccine; and for everyone ‘vaccinated or not’ to wear masks when around people you don’t live with, remember to social distance, and practice frequent hand washing.

Burke County health reports 41 vaccines were administered at last week’s vaccine clinic at Fonta Flora brewery, while 5 vaccines were given at Wednesday night’s youth clinic at the Collett Street Recreation Center.

Data indicates about 44-percent of Burke’s population 12 years and older is fully vaccinated.

Presently in Burke, most of the new cases of COVID are among age groups 0 to 19, and 20 to 39.

Cleveland Co Fair

The state’s largest outdoor agricultural fair has again been canceled because of COVID-19 concerns.

The Cleveland County Fair was scheduled to take place September 30^th through October 10^th; however, an emergency meeting by the fair’s board Thursday resulted in the decision to cancel.

Although organizers had planned for additional safety measures, local health and public safety officials considered the severe impact the event could have on the county’s already-strained medical system.

County fair officials say they made the decision with mixed emotions, but look forward to welcoming everyone back to the fair in 2022.

Parker Bond

A woman charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a Hickory furniture plant in January is granted bond in Wednesday’s court appearance.

Tangela Parker and her husband Eric are both indicted for the shooting death of co-worker Michelle Marlow at TCS Designs.

Tangela’s attorney reports she was granted a 250-thousand dollar secured bond along with house arrest.

Charged with murder, Tangela must reside with her parents and have no contact with her husband.

Reports say she will be electronically monitored and can only leave the home for doctor visits, attorney appointments, and court.

Eric Parker is charged with accessory after the fact for helping his wife flee from the crime scene.

The couple eluded arrest for months before being located in July by authorities in Arizona.