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CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia COVID-19 pandemic response leadership team held another news briefing today to update the public on the State’s latest pandemic response efforts.
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OMICRON VARIANT UPDATE
Gov. Justice announced today that in the time since his previous COVID-19 briefing Thursday last week, the number of Omicron variant cases in West Virginia has jumped from three to 18.
“These numbers aren’t big yet, but it’s a big increase in just a few days,” Gov. Justice said. “We really haven’t seen Omicron in West Virginia yet, but we know it’s sweeping across the nation right now.”
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The Governor went on to note that more than 500,000 new cases of COVID-19 were identified across the United States yesterday alone.
“If we had 500,000 new cases in one day, who knows where we’re going with this,” Gov. Justice said. “Hear me when I say you need to be vaccinated so badly, and if you’ve already been vaccinated, you need to have your booster shot.
“This thing will surely skyrocket in West Virginia. You have to protect yourself.”
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GET VACCINATED / GET YOUR BOOSTER SHOT
Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available for everyone ages 5 and older.
West Virginians interested in being vaccinated or having their children vaccinated are encouraged to visit Vaccinate.wv.gov or call the West Virginia Vaccine Info Line: 1-833-734-0965.
Free booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are available for all West Virginians ages 18 and older.
A booster dose is recommended if at least six months have passed since you received your initial two-dose series of the Pfizer/Moderna vaccines or if at least two months have passed since you received your initial one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
West Virginians can go to any location offering COVID-19 vaccines with their vaccination card to receive their booster.
If your card has been lost, you can request a new one from the DHHR.
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COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS RETURNING FROM WINTER BREAK
Free COVID-19 testing is available for school-age children and their families as they return to school from winter break.
Dozens of testing events will be held at various locations in counties across West Virginia starting today and continuing throughout the remainder of this week.
Click here to read more / view all testing locations
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CASE NUMBERS & HOSPITALIZATIONS UPDATE
On Tuesday, Gov. Justice reported that there are now 8,604 active cases of COVID-19 statewide.
The cumulative percent positivity rate stands at 6.43%.
A total of 1,100,071 West Virginians – 64.7% of the eligible population ages 5 and older – have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Booster doses have now been administered to 312,649 people – or 34.1% of West Virginians who have received both doses of the Pfizer/Moderna vaccine series or their dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
COVID-19 Dashboard | Coronavirus.wv.gov
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Gov. Justice also reported that, per the West Virginia Department of Education, there are currently 22 school outbreaks in 15 counties with 272 confirmed cases.
COVID-19 Outbreaks in State Public Schools (WVDE)
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WEST VIRGINIANS CALLED ON TO DONATE BLOOD AND PLASMA
On Tuesday, Gov. Justice renewed calls asking for West Virginians to consider donating blood and plasma through the American Red Cross.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there remains a widespread shortage of blood and plasma across the nation.
“I encourage you to give blood – especially if you’ve had the blessing of recovering from this terrible disease and you’re doing okay, please consider it. You’ve been blessed from God above on your recovery,” Gov. Justice said. “But I ask everyone to consider giving blood. It’s really, really important.”
For more information, visit redcross.org or call the local American Red Cross offices at 304-340-3650.
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GOV. JUSTICE MOURNS LOSS OF LAST TUSKEGEE AIRMAN IN WEST VIRGINIA
Also Tuesday, Gov. Justice took time out of his remarks on COVID-19 to offer his prayers and condolences after the passing of Cliffton E. Brooks Sr. – who was the last surviving Tuskegee Airman in West Virginia.
“We lost a true American hero on Christmas Eve,” Gov. Justice said. “Cliffton Brooks Sr. should be remembered as a hero who spent his life giving back to his state and his country.”
Brooks, who served as a cryptologist with the Tuskegee Airmen in World War 2, passed away Friday night at the age of 99.
After the war, he lived in Keyser, WV. He dedicated time to the American Legion, he was a Mason, a member of the Moose Lodge, and was active in the United Methodist Church in Keyser.
“He was a member of the greatest generation,” Gov. Justice added. “He gave us his bravery and wisdom for many years. To Cliffton and all his family, we thank them so much.”
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