Amidst the reading of nearly 50 deaths since Friday from COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Jim Justice was able to provide what he believed was some positive news relating to the pandemic during Monday’s press briefing.

 

“There are 12,284 active cases,” said Justice. “That number continues to drop.”

 

More important is numbers are dropping as it relates to care, but not significantly. Hospitalizations have dropped to 913 from a peak of 1008. There was also a slight drop of individuals in the intensive care units at 271, while those on ventilators dropped to 184 from 195.

 

Justice said about 20 percent of those hospitalized are fully vaccinated.

 

“Hospital numbers are still high although we have seen some positive trends,” said Dr. Clay Marsh, the state’s COVID-19 czar.

 

Marsh also addressed the hesitation by many in the healthcare field opting not to get the vaccine. Several have said they will walk away from their jobs if required to get the vaccine.

 

“Everybody that works in health care is an individual in their own right,” said Marsh. “We have seen a lot of miscommunication issues about the vaccines be a cause for concern for some of our younger hospital workers, particularly our younger female hospital workers that believe the misinformation that was given at the very beginning part of the Messenger RNA vaccines that there would somehow be some problem with fertility and having babies and pregnancies.”

 

Marsh said that is not the case. He said studies show the concerns are unfounded, but that pregnant women should be vaccinated.

 

There are also 69 outbreaks in 28 counties in the state’s school system. Justice said there are 813 confirmed cases.

 

“It seems like their holding their standing,” said Justice of the school numbers.

 

Justice said 54 of the state’s 55 counties have mask mandates in the schools. Pocahontas County is the lone county without a mandate.

 

The governor pointed out that there are 73 outbreaks in the state’s long-term care facilities. He added that there were 234 inmates in 15 facilities and 58 staffers in 15 facilities in the state’s prisons. As for the churches, Justice was happy to announce there are currently no outbreaks.

 

As he always does, Justice urged residents to get vaccines. He also urged those who have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine to get their booster shots.

 

“If you’re up for your booster shot, run over someone to get your booster shot,” said Justice.

 

Justice started the press briefing by reading the counties and ages of those who passed away as the result of COVID-19. A total of 47 residents of the state have passed since Friday’s press briefing. There are now 3,769 deaths.

 

“I do think that things are beginning to look a little better … but for these families and these loved ones, things are really tough right now,” said Justice.