Office of the Governor > News > Press Releases > 2022 Press Releases > COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice: “We need to keep pulling the rope together, because there’s no way this thing is just flat gone.”

COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice: “We need to keep pulling the rope together, because there’s no way this thing is just flat gone.”

4/25/2022

 

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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 and vaccine distribution efforts. CASE NUMBERS & VACCINE/BOOSTER INFO On Monday, Gov. Justice reported that there are now 631 active cases of COVID-19 statewide; up by 87 cases since his previous briefing on Friday last week. Since reaching their most recent peak in late January, total active cases have decreased by 97.1% overall. COVID-19 Dashboard | Coronavirus.wv.gov “Since last Friday, we’ve only had one death. As encouraging as it is that our number of deaths have gone down and down in recent months, we need to keep pulling the rope together, because there’s no way this thing is just flat gone,” Gov. Justice said. “I remind you over and over to get your booster shots. You’ve got to get that done, especially if you’re 50 or over.” All West Virginians ages 5 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. After the primary series, first booster shots are recommended for those ages 12 and older. Second booster shots have now been authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for those ages 50 and over who are also at least four months removed from their first booster dose, as well as certain younger immunocompromised individuals ages 12 and older. All West Virginians who qualify can immediately get this dose anywhere vaccines are available. The state’s new COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator has been updated to determine whether people are eligible for a second booster dose. Read more about vaccines at Vaccinate.wv.gov and at CDC.gov. FIND A VACCINE NEAR YOU Since nearing peak capacity in early February, COVID-related hospitalizations in West Virginia are down 92.1%, ICU patients are down 90.4%, and patients on ventilators are down 91.3%. An updated breakdown of the West Virginia County Alert Map is as follows: Red (0) | Orange (0) | Gold (0) | Yellow (3) | Green (52) COVID-19 RESOURCES   WV Homeowners Rescue Program Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program Vaccination Due Date Calculator (Vaccinate.wv.gov)   COVID-19 Dashboard (Coronavirus.wv.gov) Job Jumpstart Program West Virginia Nursing Workforce Expansion Program WV Testing Locations Map Free At-Home COVID Tests (COVIDtests.gov) Executive Orders & Other Actions Donate Blood & Plasma (American Red Cross) GOV. JUSTICE CALLS SPECIAL SESSION OF LEGISLATURE Gov. Justice took time out of his remarks on COVID-19 to discuss the Special Session of the West Virginia Legislature that he called for today; Monday, April 25. The purpose of the Special Session was to give the Legislature the opportunity during April Legislative Interim Meetings to address bills from the Regular Session that were vetoed for purely technical reasons, among other items. Earlier Monday, the Governor amended his call to include an additional item for consideration; a supplemental appropriation for $250 million to the Economic Enhancement Grant Fund. Working together with the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council and the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the fund will provide matching grants to municipalities for use in upgrading infrastructure such as water and sewer systems. “These are major dollars and they are badly needed to help make life better for so many West Virginians,” Gov. Justice said. “Unfortunately, we still have places where reliable access to these utilities is not available. “These funds will allow us to improve water and wastewater systems in communities across the state providing more reliable and efficient utilities where they are needed the most,” Gov. Justice continued. “I hope and pray that the Legislature will join with me to get this done. It’s a huge step forward.” Click here to read more & view Special Session proclamations ###

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