Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to climb in Burke County with 22 new cases.

The Burke County Health Department reported 1,557 positive cases Wednesday, up from 1,535 cases Tuesday. The Burke County COVID-19 dashboard shows that 1,164 of the positive cases have recovered and eight residents are hospitalized. The county has previously reported 26 deaths associated with the virus.

Health Department Director Rebecca McLeod continues to remind residents to practice the three W's when in public: wear a cloth face covering when out and unable to physically distance from others; wait at least 6 feet from others; and wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

McLeod said it also is imperative for those testing positive to stay home until their isolation time has been completed and those who are sick to stay home until symptom-free.

The Health Department will hold adrive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic from 1-4 p.m Sunday at the Jonas Ridge Fire Department in the Jonas Ridge community of Burke County.

The test is free, but people should bring their insurance card, the Health Department says. The department says its preferred for those wanting a test to pre-register by calling 828-764-9168, but drop-ins are welcome. Pre-registration is so officials will know how many staffers and how much supplies will be needed. People wanting a test dont have to be a Burke County resident.

On Tuesday, Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, said she expects the state will be done with testing at nursing homes and nursing care facilities statewide by the end of this week or early next week.

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Cases of COVID-19 still climbing in Burke - Morganton News Herald