West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and his health team's desire to get the state's younger population vaccinated was once again the primary topic during Monday's COVID response press conference and some ideas on how to accomplish the feat were presented.

 

"Every expert is saying that if we get vaccinated, this goes away," Justice said. "And yet, we still have people who are struggling to go and step up. 

 

"If we don't have more of our population get vaccinated, we are going to have more people die. This thing is still a long way from being over. All you have to do is turn on your TV. Look at India, they had 430,000 new cases in a day.

 

"Im pleading with you, especially the kids (16-35) to go get vaccinated. Younger people, I need you to step up and get vaccinated. Older people, I need you to encourage the kids to step up and get vaccinated."

 

In addition to the still-in-work savings bond initiative, Justice announced some vaccine operational changes which include setting up vaccination clinics at events such as fairs or festivals or a sporting event like the state basketball tournament. Vaccination availability will accompany services such as Meals on Wheels.

 

There will be an increased working arrangement with hospitals and doctors' offices are set to begin offering the vaccine. 

 

From a communication standpoint, younger people will be targeted to a more aggressive approach on social media.

 

Justice also said they are trying to work with local EMS squads to enhance vaccination availability.

 

"It may come down that we start going door to door," Justice said. "And if we have to go door to door, that's what we will do."

 

The governor also said they are encouraging state businesses to start offering discounts to people who are fully vaccinated.

 

Dr. Clay Marsh, the state's coronavirus czar, said the Pfizer vaccination is expected to be available for the 12-16 age group next week.

 

He also reported on an alarming trend in regard to the variants.

 

"We have seen rapid growth in the UK varriant in the past four days," Marsh said. "We have gone from 634 to 930 in the past four days. The vaccines we give are effective against the variants.

 

Justice began the press conference by offering his condolences to the families of the most recent COVID-19 related deaths. There have been seven since Friday, but none during the previous 24 hours to bring the state's cumulative total to 2,686.

 

"Seven is seven too many but it's better than where we have been," Justice said. "Please say a prayer for these seven and don't let their family feel like they are alone."

 

Justice also touched on the tragic death of Woodrow Wilson High School basketball player Dewayne Richardson, who was shot and killed on Sunday evening.

 

The Department of Health and Human Resources is reporting that there have been 289 new COVID cases reported during the previous 24 hours. The state's cumulative percent positive rate is at 5.15 and the daily percent positive rate is at 6.63.

 

There are currently 7,201 active cases and there have been 144,310 recoveries. Hospitalizations as of April 30 are at 224 with 84 patients in ICUs.

 

On the daily county alert system map there are three red counties — Berkeley, Raleigh and Wirt. Harrison County is green.

 

There are 16 COVID outbreaks in long-term care facilities, eight church outbreaks in seven different counties and in correctional facilities there are 26 cases among inmates and five among staff.

 

"We need to get our testing ramped up again," Justice said. "This is not over. You have got to stay on your toes."

 

According to the governor the child care subsidy program is being extended for essential workers. Justice also said that revenue numbers for April are in and there is a surplus of $1.9 million. The state's surplus to date is $237,300,000.

 

More information on the vaccination, including pre-registration instructions, can be found HERE

 

More information on free COVID-19 testing can be found HERE

 

Video of Monday's briefing can be found below.