Justice Remains Optimistic with Vaccination Efforts, Daily COVID Numbers; Health Officials Discuss UK Variant
By Chris Johnson on February 22, 2021 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice's Monday COVID press conference once again was a mix of optimism and caution.
The optimism centered around the vaccination efforts and daily COVID statistics.
According to Monday's vaccination summary, the state has now received 430,200 total doses and has administered 435,942 for a 101.3 percent rate that continues to be the top in the nation (percentage is above 100 percent because state officials are getting additional dosages out of some of the viles).
The number of state residents who have received a first dose is at 269,670. There are 166,272 residents now considered fully vaccinated. More than 279,000 state residents are now pre-registered for receiving their first dose of vaccine. In the 65 and older population, more than 149,000 have received their frist shot and more than 44,000 have received their second shot.
"We had another good week even with the weather," Retired Major General James Hoyer said. Hoyer added that the state is in position to do even better this week as the allotment of vaccinations to Walgreens will double this week to make up for last week. He also said the Department of Defense is providing vaccinations for the National Guard and to help out with Veterans Administration facilities.
The daily COVID-19 statistics continue to trend in the right direction. There were 238 new cases reported during the previous 24 hours. West Virginia's cumulative percent positive rate is at 5.51, while the daily percent positive rate is at 4.84.
Active cases continue to decrease on a daily basis. As of Monday that number is at 8,795. There have now been 36 straight days the number has decreased and the first time the number has been below 9,000 since Nov. 12.
Recoveries are at 118,796 and there are 294 hospitalizations with 80 in ICUs.
Once again there are no red counties on the county alert system map and just 10 counties are orange. Harrison County is green on the most recent map.
"We're getting better West Virginia," Justice said.
There are 19 active outbreaks in long-term care facilities. There are two church outbreaks in Fayette and Webster counties, respectively. In correctional facilities there are cases among six inmates and 11 among staff.
The governor addressed the weekend news of the UK variant of COVID-19 being found in the Morgantown area and stated that everybody is on it.
"This variant as well other variants are naturally-occuring varants," Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh said. "The good news about the UK variant, the vaccines appear to be effective and the masks and social distancing work to combat the transmission. It's a concern and this variant has been found in 44 states now but we shouldn't be scared of it."
Justice also talked about Friday's pull back on restrictions and while they are a good step in the right direction, he and the health officials will pivot and reinstate restrictions if the numbers start to trend back in the wrong direction.
Monday's briefing began in the normal fashion of Justice offering his condolences to the families of the most recent deaths associated with the coronavirus. There have been 15 since Friday's press conference, bringing the state's cumulative total to 2,263.
"I ask you to keep these 15 people in your thoughts and prayers," Justice said.
In a non-related COVID announcment, Justice said he will have a virtual town hall meeting where he will answer questions about his plan to remove the state income tax. He added that he may start doing these meetings on a weekly basis in order to help explain his plan.
More information on pre-registering for the vaccine can be found HERE
More information on free testing can be found HERE
Video of Monday's press conference can be viewed below.
