Office of the Governor

COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice announces initial vaccine order of more than 16,000 doses submitted to CDC

12/7/2020

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​CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice joined West Virginia health leaders and other officials today for his latest daily press briefing regarding the State’s COVID-19 response.
INITIAL VACCINE ORDER SUBMITTED TO CDC
During Monday’s briefing, Gov. Justice announced that West Virginia officials submitted the state’s initial vaccine order to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday.

In total, 16,575 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were ordered, the maximum weekly ordering cap allowed for West Virginia at this time.

“We know that our supply will continue to increase going forward,” Gov. Justice said. “I am very hopeful that, as we continue to push like crazy, and as this thing continues to ramp up, that we will be in a situation very soon where we will be able to vaccinate anyone who wants to be vaccinated.”
Last week, Gov. Justice, state health experts, and leaders with the West Virginia National Guard provided an overview of the state’s initial allocation plan ahead of the upcoming arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Governor announced that West Virginia plans to receive an initial allocation of approximately 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. West Virginia also plans to receive an initial allocation of approximately 26,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine shortly after the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine.

There will be a limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine when it first becomes available, so the vaccine will be distributed in phases, based on risk for contracting COVID-19.

In accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the first-available vaccine doses will be distributed to healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, individuals critical to community infrastructure and emergency response, public health officials, and first responders.
COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS UPDATE
Also on Monday, Gov. Justice reported that the current number of active cases in the state has also reached a new record high of 19,691. However, the number of total patients hospitalized dropped to 610, with 176 patients currently in the ICU.

The cumulative percent of positive cases is now 3.88%, up from 3.76% on Friday and the highest such rate seen in West Virginia since April 22, 2020.

Click here to view the latest COVID-19 data

Meanwhile, as of Monday morning, the statewide rate of COVID-19 transmission – also known as Rt – was 1.04; tied for the 15th-best such rate of any state in the country.
MONDAY MAP UPDATE
Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice provided a look at West Virginia’s latest mid-week County Alert System map update.

Red counties: 14 (Berkeley, Boone, Brooke, Grant, Hampshire, Hancock, Marshall, Mason, Mineral, Mingo, Wayne, Wirt, Wood, Wyoming)
Orange counties: 17 (Barbour, Cabell, Clay, Hardy, Jackson, Jefferson, Marion, Morgan, Nicholas, Ohio, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Ritchie, Tyler, Wetzel)
Gold counties: 10 (Calhoun, Doddridge, Fayette, Harrison, Kanawha, Lincoln, McDowell, Monongalia, Roane, Webster)
Yellow counties: 8 (Gilmer, Greenbrier, Logan, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Taylor, Upshur)
Green counties: 6 (Braxton, Lewis, Pendleton, Randolph, Summers, Tucker)

The map is updated live on the DHHR’s COVID-19 Dashboard (Click "County Alert System" tab) throughout the week for informational purposes and to provide an indication of how each county is trending ahead of each Saturday at 5 p.m.; the time when each county is assigned its official color designation for the next week, which determines the level of scholastic, athletic, and extracurricular activities permitted in each county for that particular week.
DHHR’s COVID-19 Dashboard (Click "County Alert System" tab)
WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD ADJUTANT GENERAL PROVIDES UPDATE ON RESPONSE, INCLUDING CLARKSBURG VETERANS NURSING HOME UPDATE
Also on Monday, West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. James Hoyer took time during his remarks to provide several updates on the Guard’s response to the pandemic.

The Adjutant General reported that recent proactive testing at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Home facility in Clarksburg identified positive tests that may not have otherwise been uncovered thanks to Gov. Justice’s directive to test all long-term care facility staff members across the state twice each week.

“The Governor continues to press upon us, each day, to get better at what we’re doing to address the pandemic and take care of our citizens,” Maj. Gen. Hoyer said. “Due to the initiative that the Governor put in place for a regular testing of staff at these facilities, we identified potential positives in staff. We then immediately used tests that we developed and turned those tests around within eight hours to make sure that we were protecting the residents of that state veterans home.”

Maj. Gen. Hoyer also took time to recognize Monday as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Gov. Justice recently issued a proclamation, ordering that all United States and West Virginia flags on all State-owned facilities be displayed at half-staff for the entire day of Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, to honor the 2,334 servicemen and servicewomen who died as a result of the attack on U.S. military forces in Hawaii and the 1,143 more who were wounded in the attack.

“As the Governor pointed out, today is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day,” Maj. Gen. Hoyer said. “That led to our entry into World War II, and the many sacrifices made, not just by Veterans, but by families across the United States.

“We are fighting a war today,” Maj. Gen. Hoyer continued. “We all need to continue to step up, like our ancestors did during that time, and do the things that we need to do. It just so happens that the war we were up against today is a virus, not a foreign enemy. But I ask us all to continue to press hard and to do what the Governor asks us to do to move forward and defeat this virus.”
REFRIGERATED TRAILER REQUESTED IN MARSHALL COUNTY
Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice reported that, with a significant increase in deaths being seen across West Virginia, officials in Marshall County have reached out to the West Virginia National Guard for a refrigerated trailer to provide assistance for the county coroner. 

“At the end of the day, if you don’t believe we ought to be wearing our masks, then I don’t know what I could possibly say,” Gov. Justice said. “We’ve got to turn this thing around, and absolutely, with all in us, the only thing we can do is wear our masks.”
NEW CHILD CRISIS LINE AVAILABLE
Also on Monday, Gov. Justice announced that HELP4WV, which offers a free 24/7 call, chat, and text line that provides immediate help for any West Virginian struggling with an addiction or mental health issue, has now made available a new Child Crisis Line.

This helpline is available 24/7 to assist in finding the most appropriate and available treatment for an array of youth behavioral health needs from parenting support to immediate crisis response.

Contact 1-844-HELP4WV to talk to a trained Helpline Specialist who can help you understand options and link you directly to treatment providers.

“This helpline is a great resource for parents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gov. Justice said. “Many children are struggling from not being able to see their friends as much, to having to participate in remote learning, or just the change of their normal schedule.  The helpline is a great tool for parents who may be concerned about their child, and it gives them a resource to find answers to their questions, and to find additional resources.”
OUTBREAK REPORT
Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice reported that there are now 280 active inmate cases across the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) system, including 205 cases at the Northern Regional Jail and the Northern Correctional Facility, 36 at the Denmar Correctional Center, and 32 at the Pruntytown Correctional Center.

There are also 73 active staff cases across the DCR system.

Click here to view the latest corrections facility update

West Virginia now has 17 active church-related outbreaks across 13 counties: Berkeley, Braxton, Cabell, Fayette, Harrison, Jackson, Marion, Mineral, Mingo, Nicholas, Raleigh, Taylor, and Wyoming counties. These outbreaks account for a total of 279 cases.

There are now 117 outbreaks in long-term care facilities across the state, up from 113 such outbreaks on Friday.

The Governor also reported that, per the West Virginia Department of Education, there are 22 active outbreaks in public schools across the state. These outbreaks account for 96 confirmed cases, down from 96 on Friday.

Click here to view the WVDE’s Current Outbreaks in Schools chart
REVIEW OF LATEST DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SATURDAY MAP UPDATE
Also on Monday, Gov. Justice reviewed this past Saturday’s 5 p.m. West Virginia Department of Education color-coded School Alert System map update, which determines the level of scholastic, athletic, and extracurricular activities permitted in each county for the following week.

Results of the update on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, were updated on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, to account for several counties turning Red. The latest School Alert System map designations are as follows: 

Red counties: 16 (Barbour, Berkeley, Boone, Brooke, Grant, Hampshire, Hancock, Marshall, Mason, Mineral, Mingo, Ohio, Wayne, Wirt, Wood, Wyoming)
Orange counties: 12 (Cabell, Hardy, Jefferson, Morgan, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Ritchie, Tyler, *Upshur, Wetzel)
Gold counties: 9 (Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Pleasants, Roane)
Yellow counties: 8 (Lincoln, Logan, Marion, McDowell, Monongalia, Monroe, Raleigh, Taylor)
Green counties: 10 (Braxton, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Lewis, Mercer, Pendleton, Randolph, Summers, Tucker, Webster)

(*=Upshur County decided to move to full remote learning and voluntarily enter into the Red designation, despite qualifying in the Orange category)

State health leaders who make up the COVID-19 Data Review Panel verified the data to ensure the map was a true indication of the safety level in each county.
UPDATED FACE COVERING REQUIREMENT IN EFFECT; SIGNS AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES
Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice provided a reminder that his broadened Statewide Indoor Face Covering Requirement remains in effect.

The order requires all West Virginians age 9 and older to wear a face covering at all times inside all indoor public places, regardless of whether or not they are able to maintain proper social distance. The order requires that all businesses and organizations that invite the public into their facilities must post adequate signage advising guests of the requirement and are also responsible for enforcing the requirement to ensure it is being followed.

Click here to read more details about the face covering requirement

Posters are available on the DHHR’s online Face Covering Toolkit for businesses or organizations to print and display. Social media graphics are also available for download and use by the general public.
AGGRESSIVE TESTING CONTINUES ACROSS STATE
Also on Monday, Gov. Justice provided an overview of the 50 counties that have upcoming free testing events scheduled for the near future through the Governor’s Aggressive Testing initiative.

The Governor added Monday that over this past weekend, a total of 46,644 West Virginians were tested. Friday, Dec 4, 2020, reached the highest one-day testing total ever of 21,719.

This testing is available to all residents, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is not required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Click here to view all locations, dates, times, and more details
An interactive online map of all free testing locations across West Virginia is available on the state’s COVID-19 website. Users can filter the map by type of testing site, including daily testing events, recurring testing events, and pharmacy testing locations. Each location is marked on the map with a pin. After finding a testing location nearby, users are able to click on the pin for more information about that particular testing site, including the specific location and timeframe during which testing will be held.

Click here to view all locations, dates, times, and more details
WEST VIRGINIANS CALLED UPON TO DONATE BLOOD AND PLASMA
Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice once again encouraged all West Virginians to consider donating blood and plasma through the American Red Cross.

Last week, the Governor reported that in his recent call with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Vice President Mike Pence said that there is still a shortage of plasma and blood all across the nation.

Those fully recovered from a verified COVID-19 diagnosis may have plasma in their blood containing COVID-19 antibodies that can attack this virus. This plasma is being evaluated as a possible treatment for currently ill COVID-19 patients.

For more information, visit redcross.org or call the local American Red Cross offices at 304-340-3650.
CITIES/COUNTIES GRANT FUNDING: OVER $208 MILLION HAS NOW BEEN AWARDED
Also on Monday, Gov. Justice provided an update on cities and counties throughout West Virginia applying for funds through the federal CARES Act, reporting that more than $208 million has now been awarded all across the state.

The total amount of CARES Act funding allocated for these grants has been adjusted from $200 million to $225 million to ensure that applicants are able to receive all necessary grant funds before the Dec. 15 deadline.

A web portal is available for city and county government officials to apply. Interested parties can also call the helpline: 1-833-94-GRANT.

Each of the recipients of CARES Act funding, along with grant amounts, are now available to view through the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office COVID-19 transparency website.
FLU VACCINE REMINDER
Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice took time out of his remarks on COVID-19 to remind and encourage all West Virginians to get their flu vaccine.

State Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad also underscored the importance of getting vaccinated for the flu this year, as COVID-19 infections continue to climb.

“This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, so I want to take this time to remind everyone that you still have time to get your influenza vaccine,” Dr. Amjad said. “Getting COVID-19 and the flu is not a good combination, so, in addition to getting your flu shot, we want to remind people to wash your hands, keep socially distant, and wear your mask when you do go out in public.”

According to health officials, everyone 6 months and older should receive this vaccine.

Locate a flu vaccine near you through the DHHR website.
GOV. JUSTICE ISSUES FLAG ORDER FOR FALLEN CHARLESTON POLICE OFFICER CASSIE JOHNSON
Also on Monday, Gov. Justice took time out of his address to once again honor the memory of Charleston Police Officer Cassie Johnson, who lost her life in the line of duty last week.

The Governor announced that he has issued a proclamation, ordering all United States and West Virginia flags at the Capitol Complex and all State-owned facilities in Kanawha County be displayed at half-staff, from dawn to dusk, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020; the day of the services celebrating her life.

Gov. Justice also announced that the dome of the West Virginia Capitol Building and the front of the Governor’s Mansion will be lit in blue tomorrow, from dusk until 9 p.m., as a tribute to Officer Johnson’s sacrifice and the selfless service of all law enforcement officers across West Virginia.

Click here to read more
VIRTUAL “JOYFUL NIGHT” CELEBRATION SCHEDULED FOR BROADCAST TOMORROW
Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice took time to remind all West Virginians to watch the annual Joyful Night celebration tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at 7 p.m. The festive evening will feature many beloved holiday traditions and several captivating performances by West Virginians from near and far to ring in the holiday season.

In accordance with best practices recommended by health experts regarding COVID-19, this year’s program will be fully virtual.

The event will feature the lighting of the state Christmas tree by Governor and First Lady Justice. This year’s tree was furnished by Raymond and Melinda Dowdy of Tornado, WV. Raymond, a Navy Veteran, donated the tree in honor of all Veterans across West Virginia.

Click here to find where to watch and for a preview of all performances
GOVERNOR REMINDS WEST VIRGINIANS OF 2021 HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE CONTEST
Also on Monday, Gov. Justice took time to offer a reminder that the 2021 Hunting and Fishing License Contest is officially underway.

The Governor announced the contest on Wednesday along with officials from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Anyone who purchases a 2021 Class X, Class XJ, Class XP, Class X3, or Class XP3 license in the month of December will automatically be entered to win one of two grand prizes of a free lifetime license, one of four vacation getaways at a West Virginia state park, or one of eight West Virginia Division of Natural Resources gift bag.

Click here to read more

To view prize descriptions, learn how to purchase a license as a gift, or see complete contest rules, visit www.wvdnr.gov/giveaway. The WVDNR reminds West Virginians to follow all hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations and to always practice safety when engaging in outdoor activities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Click here to view all Executive Orders and other actions taken by Gov. Justice to combat the spread of COVID-19 in West Virginia.

For more information about COVID-19 prevention and more, call the State’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-887-4304 or visit Coronavirus.wv.gov.
Click here to view photo album

Contact Information

Jordan Damron, jordan.l.damron@wv.gov

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