During Governor Jim Justice’s COVID-19 press briefing, he spent several minutes talking about the recent death of a Bridgeport native and Bridgeport High School graduate who was living and working in Charleston.

 

Justice talked about the death of Jolynn Marra, who was a long-time state employee. She passed away Monday (click HERE for the obituary) and Justice brought her up after reading the names of those who have passed recently due to COVID.

 

“Condolences also go up to a great lady that worked as our inspector general in the DHHR. She worked with us a long, long, long, time,” said Justice. “Her career began in 1992. She served in all kind of managerial roles until she was appointed to our inspector general. Without any question, a true public servant with a lot, a lot, a lot of knowledge. Always came to work with a great big smile.

 

“Jolynn Marra we will absolutely miss in every way. There is no question the folks in the DHHR, headed up by Secretary (Bill) Crouch, are taking this in a really tough way because she has been with us so long,” Justice continued. “Jolynn, and all of her loved ones, know we appreciate (you) and wont’ forget (you.)”

 

He ended his comments by saying “thank you for all of your years of incredible work.”

 

Along with Marra’s death being discussed in the non-COVID discussion, Justice also talked about the passing of a correctional officer who had served the state for six years. He said that officer died in an automobile accident.

 

As for numbers the governor generally discusses, Justice said there are 67 outbreaks in the state’s long-term care facilities. There are also 24 inmates and 20 staff members in the prison system that are COVID positive.  There are still no reported church outbreaks in West Virginia.

 

Justice also did his regular urging of residents to get vaccinated and for those vaccinated to get their booster shot.

 

“Please, it’s available now for 12 and older. Please consider getting that booster shot … The more we get vaccinated the less we die. We know that,” said Justice.

 

Justice began by reading the ages, genders, and counties of those who have died since last week’s previous COVID press conference. The governor added five more to the list bringing the state’s total dying due to the virus to 7,450.

 

The majority of the press conference was on issues beyond COVID, including Justice’s announcement prior to the press conference on a proposal to eliminate the car tax. Click HERE to read about it.