Office of the Governor > News > Press Releases > 2022 Press Releases > COVID-19 UPDATE: With hospitalizations nearing 1,000, Gov. Justice says the way to ensure the “best possible outcome” is getting vaccinated, boosted

COVID-19 UPDATE: With hospitalizations nearing 1,000, Gov. Justice says the way to ensure the “best possible outcome” is getting vaccinated, boosted

1/24/2022

 

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Free N95 masks will soon be available for all West Virginians 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. GOV. JUSTICE: “THE WAY YOU CAN ENSURE THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME FOR YOURSELF IS TO GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED.” During Monday’s briefing, Gov. Justice reported that continued spread of the Omicron variant has caused West Virginia’s case numbers to rise over 21,000 and COVID-related hospitalizations once again nearing 1,000. COVID-19 Dashboard | Coronavirus.wv.gov Additionally, with 49 of the state’s 55 counties now designated in the Red category of the West Virginia County Alert System map, Gov. Justice once again urged all citizens to be sure they are up-to-date on their shots. “The way you can ensure the best possible outcome for yourself is to get vaccinated and boosted,” Gov. Justice said. “If you got your initial series of shots over five or six months ago, and you haven’t gotten your booster, you don’t have any immunity. It’s like you never got vaccinated in the first place.” VIEW PHOTO ALBUM Booster shots are now authorized and encouraged for all West Virginians ages 12 and older. Read more about booster eligibility at CDC.gov. COVID-19 booster shots are available, for free, to all eligible West Virginians. The waiting period for those who received initial series Pfizer shots has been shortened to five months. 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. Initial series vaccinations are available, for free, 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. FIND A VACCINE NEAR YOU WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD HOSPITAL SUPPORT Additionally, Gov. Justice provided another update on the West Virginia National Guard’s mission to provide staffing support to hospitals throughout the state. As of Monday morning, 136 Guard members have been authorized to deploy to 25 facilities across West Virginia. “Our National Guard is doing terrific work backstopping our hospitals,” Gov. Justice said. “We thank them over and over in every way.” GET FREE N95 MASKS AND AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS Also on Monday, Gov. Justice reported that the federal government is now offering three free N95 masks per American. The masks will be made available later this week or next week at pharmacies and community health centers. Meanwhile, the Governor offered a reminder that the federal government is also offering every household in America four free at-home COVID-19 tests. To get your free at-home COVID tests, visit COVIDtests.gov. COVID-19 RESOURCES   Vaccine Information | Vaccinate.wv.gov Vaccine Info Line: 1-833-734-0965 Free At-Home COVID Tests | COVIDtests.gov COVID-19 Dashboard | Coronavirus.wv.gov WV COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-887-4304 Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program West Virginia Nursing Workforce Expansion Program Flu Vaccine Information (DHHR) Donate Blood & Plasma (American Red Cross) Local Red Cross Offices: 304-340-3650 Do it for Babydog Vaccination Sweepstakes WV Department of Education COVID-19 Updates Free COVID-19 Testing COVID-19 News Executive Orders & Other Actions COVID-19 Transparency (WV State Auditor’s Office) GOVERNOR ENCOURAGES WEST VIRGINIANS TO TUNE IN FOR HIS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS THURSDAY, JAN. 27 Gov. Justice once again offered a reminder that he will deliver his sixth State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at 7 p.m. The Governor was previously scheduled to deliver his State of the State address on Jan. 12. However, the night before the address, he tested positive for COVID-19 and announced that he would have to postpone the address to a later date. The address will be broadcast live on the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Channel. Find your television station here (Use column labeled “WVPB”). Audio from the address will be broadcast live on West Virginia Public Radio. Find your radio station here. The address will also be livestreamed on the Governor’s social media channels: YouTube | Facebook | Twitter Click here to read more Share Tweet Forward

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