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West Virginia Week in Review - December 30, 2021

12/30/2021

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COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice directs state health officials to continue monitoring Omicron numbers and hospital bed availability

On Thursday, Gov. Justice announced that, with the number of Omicron variant cases climbing across the country, he has directed state health officials and his COVID-19 response team to continue closely monitoring case numbers along with the state’s hospital bed availability.

“We only have 18 cases, but we know it’s absolutely moving. It’s going to get higher,” Gov. Justice said. “I’ve directed my team to keep a close watch and provide me with recommendations about our hospitals and our critical care infrastructure.

“The bottom line is that we need to save lives, protect our hospitals, and protect our ability to care for our people,” Gov. Justice continued. “It is absolutely essential that we be concerned about the possibility that we could get into a situation where our hospitals are overrun.”

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Gov. Justice issues statement after passing of former State Senator Sue Cline

Gov. Justice issued the following statement on Wednesday after learning of the passing of former West Virginia State Senator Sue Cline:

“Sue was a great senator and an even greater friend who will be missed by so many. She will be remembered for her fierce loyalty to the great people of Wyoming County and all those in southern West Virginia.

“Cathy and I send our deepest condolences to Sue’s family and loved ones as they mourn her untimely death.

“I will be issuing a proclamation to lower all US and West Virginia flags at the State Capitol and in Wyoming County to half-staff once the date of her services has been set.”

Gov. Justice makes history; announces first-ever appointments to WV Intermediate Court of Appeals

Gov. Jim Justice made history on Tuesday when he announced the first-ever appointees to the newly created West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals during a virtual press conference at the State Capitol.

Gov. Justice appointed Thomas E. Scarr of Huntington for a term of two-and-a-half years, Daniel W. Greear of Charleston for a term of four-and-a-half years, and Donald A. Nickerson Jr. of Wheeling for a term of six-and-a-half years.

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COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice renews call for West Virginians to get vaccinated or boosted as Omicron variant begins to spread in-state

Gov. Justice announced on Tuesday 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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Upcoming winter break COVID-19 testing

The West Virginia DHHR announced on Monday that free COVID-19 testing is available for school-age children and their families as they return to school from winter break.

A full list of scheduled Winter Break COVID-19 testing events can be found here.

West Virginia Division of Highways continues work on Beckley intersection

On Monday, the WVDOT announced that work should be complete next year on a West Virginia Division of Highways project to correct an awkward intersection in Beckley.

In March 2021, the West Virginia Division of Highways awarded Triton Construction Inc. a contract for $6,716,500 to build two bridges and realign the intersection of Eisenhower Drive with Stanaford Road and Rural Acres Drive near the Appalachian Regional Hospital in Beckley. Stanaford Road and Rural Acres Drive both join Eisenhower drive at acute angles, making for an awkward intersection.