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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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CASE NUMBERS / HOSPITALIZATIONS UPDATE
On Friday, Gov. Justice reported that there are now 10,213 active cases of COVID-19 statewide; up by 510 cases since the Governor’s previous briefing on Wednesday.
Despite the small increase over the past two days, the active case count is down overall by 19,531 cases since peaking less than a month ago, dropping by 65.7% in that timeframe.
COVID-19 Dashboard | Coronavirus.wv.gov
Meanwhile, the state continues to see a steady downward trend in the number of severe COVID cases.
The number of hospitalizations, patients in ICUs, and patients on ventilators have all dropped between 16.4% and 23.3% since peaking in the final week of September.
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The number of hospitalizations is now 785; down by 38 since Wednesday. Since peaking at 1,012, hospitalizations have dropped by 227 (22.4%).
The number of patients in ICUs is now 227; down by 12 since Wednesday. Since peaking at 296, the number of patients in ICUs has dropped by 69 (23.3%).
The number of patients on ventilators is now 163; down by 12 since Wednesday. Since peaking at 195, the number of patients on ventilators has dropped by 32 (16.4%).
However, the statewide death toll from COVID-19 has now reached 4,108, with 110 more deaths being reported since Wednesday, including 31 as a result of the DHHR’s data reconciliation with official death certificates.
The County Alert System map now features 20 red counties, 26 orange counties, six gold counties, one yellow county, and two green counties.
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CLARKSBURG VETERANS NURSING FACILITY UPDATE
Also on Friday, Gov. Justice provided an update on the recent COVID-19 outbreak at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg.
The Governor reported that the outbreak is contained to the Alzhimers/ Dementia Ward.
There have been 13 positive cases among the 17 total residents in this ward. Additionally, five staff members have tested positive.
One infected patient who was under hospice care prior to their infection died Thursday.
The Governor went on to add that all residents have now received antibody treatments and that there are no patients hospitalized at this time.
“We have it contained to the very best of our abilities,” Gov. Justice said. “We thank our National Guard for doing what we always say and running to the fire. These are our heroes and we’re trying to look after them in every way.”
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GOV. JUSTICE URGES RESIDENTS TO GET BOOSTER SHOT IF ELIGIBLE
With the percentage of fully vaccinated residents hospitalized for COVID-19 slowly creeping higher in recent weeks, Gov. Justice took time during his briefing to encourage all West Virginians to determine if they qualify for a booster dose and then get one if they are eligible.
West Virginians who received specifically the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine may qualify for the booster shot if it has been at least six months since their second dose.
The CDC recommends that:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their second dose of Pfizer.
- People aged 50–64 years with *underlying medical conditions SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their second dose of Pfizer.
- People aged 18–49 years with *underlying medical conditions MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their second Pfizer dose, based on their individual benefits and risks.
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their second Pfizer dose, based on their individual benefits and risks.
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* = Underlying medical conditions: State Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh noted that the list of underlying medical conditions that would qualify an individual to receive the booster shot is extremely broad and includes anybody who is overweight, has high blood pressure, is a current or former smoker, has heart or lung conditions, is diabetic, is pregnant, has liver or kidney disease, has received a transplant, has cancer, has substance use disorder, has HIV, has had a stroke or other brain disorder, has dementia or other neurologic disease, has Down Syndrome, has sickle cell anemia, and more.
Click here to read more (via CDC)
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If you are eligible for the booster shot, you can go to any location offering COVID-19 vaccines with your vaccination card to receive the booster. If your card has been lost, you can request a new one from the DHHR.
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SCHOOL OUTBREAK REPORT
On Friday, Gov. Justice reported that, per the West Virginia Department of Education, there are currently 50 school outbreaks in 21 counties with 541 confirmed cases.
COVID-19 Outbreaks in State Public Schools (WVDE)
A total of 53 county school systems have either face covering requirements or a criteria for requiring face coverings. Only two counties – Pocahontas and Tucker counties – do not have a face covering requirement at this time.
WV Department of Education COVID-19 Updates
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WEST VIRGINIANS ENCOURAGED TO GET FLU VACCINE
With flu season getting underway, Gov. Justice and State health officials took time to encourage all West Virginians to get their flu vaccine.
According to health officials, everyone 6 months and older should receive this vaccine.
In addition to providing protection from the flu, this vaccine helps reduce the burden on hospitals and healthcare systems.
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time.
Click here to learn more
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