Gov. Jim Justice, Dr. Clay Marsh and retired general James Hoyer each took a turn urging West Virginians to get vaccinated Monday as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise and the threat of the fast-spreading Delta grows.
Across the country, hospitals are experiencing new surges of patients, Marsh said, and many are becoming overloaded. Patients are sicker — and younger — than with any other version of the virus so far. The delta virus carries a viral load 1,000-1,400 higher than other mutations.
Since the last update, there have been 665 new cases in West Virginia. Active cases are at 2,480 — double what they were only a couple weeks ago. Hospitalizations are also creeping back up — the governor reported 152 at the start of the briefing, with Hoyer reporting 178 by the end, thanks to an update that came in as he spoke. Of those, 67 are in intensive care units.
As they have in nearly every press conference, the panel urged residents to get vaccinated. The vaccines, they said, are incredibly effective — and incredibly safe.
And while breakthrough infections are possible — that is, infections in people who have received the vaccine — they account for only .1% of the cases in the state.
Severe illness and death are nearly unheard of in vaccinated people who become infected.
The state has begun efforts to test all nursing home residents for antibody levels, and welcomes all those 60 and older who received a vaccine six months ago or longer to call the hotline and give their information if they would like to volunteer for the state’s Booster Battlefield Assessment. The effort aims to collect real-time data about the antibody levels in such individuals, to determine if and when booster shots are necessary.
To volunteer, call 1-800-887-4304. An operator will take your information.
Justice said despite the threat of the Delta variant, he has no plans to reinstate a statewide mask mandate. But he noted the possibility remains on the table, should the medical experts deem it necessary.
That said, he and Marsh both noted those individuals who have been vaccinated but remain at higher risk — the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions — may want to go back to wearing a mask in public, particularly when in a large crowd.
For those who remain unvaccinated, Justice again urged them to get the shot.
Football season is coming up. Fairs and festivals are reopening. Concerts and other large celebrations are back underway. Why take the risk, and experience the anxiety, of being unprotected, he said.
The final drawings in the Do It For Babydog: Save a life, Change your life sweepstakes will be Thursday. This drawing will include two additional prizes — one for $1,588,000 and one for $588,000.
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