Morning Briefing
3/30/2020
We are still under the National State of Emergency
Gov. Jim Justice’s “Stay At Home” order issued on March 23, 2020, is still in effect. It directs all West Virginia residents to stay at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs. Non-essential Businesses and operations must temporarily cease operations.
WV CASES
Updated: 03/29/2020
124 Total Positive Cases
2984 Total Negative Cases
1 Total Deaths
0 Tests Pending*
Counties with positive cases: Berkeley (10), Cabell (1), Greenbrier (2), Hancock (3), Harrison (7), Jackson (8), Jefferson (5), Kanawha (19), Logan (1), Marion (5), Marshall (4), Mason (3), Mercer (2), Monongalia (30), Morgan (1), Ohio (7), Pleasants (1), Preston (1), Putnam (3), Raleigh (4), Tucker (2), Upshur (1), Wetzel (1), Wirt (1), Wood (2)
DHHR is the official reporting agency for COVID-19, which in turn provides official case numbers to the CDC. Medical providers are required to report test results to their local health departments, which provide them to DHHR, and commercial/private labs are also required to report test results to DHHR. However, the reporting of negative and pending tests to DHHR has been inconsistent, thus causing a delay in official reporting.
WV REPORTS FIRST DEATH FROM COVID-19
Through the Marion County Health Department and United Hospital Center, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) today confirmed an 88-year old female from Marion County has died as a result of COVID-19. To protect the patient’s privacy, no additional details will be released.
Starting Monday, MARCH 30th the Raleigh County Courthouse will be reopened to the public.
You can only enter the Prince Street door and there will be a security guard there.
Only ten people at a time can enter the building AND only three people allowed per office.
The staff will be working minimum hours on a rotation schedule.
They urge the public only to come in if it is extremely necessary.
Remember the tax date has been moved to May 1st.
You can visit the county’s website at Raleigh County dot org.
Fayette County Health Department
Drive-through testing will be provided Tuesday and Thursday this week. If you feel you need to be tested for COVID-19, please contact the Fayette County Health Department at 304-574-1617. There are clinical staff working to screen patients to see if you meet the criteria for testing.
Gov. Justice continues to encourage all West Virginians to follow the guidelines presented last week by President Donald J. Trump to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.
For more information about COVID-19 prevention and more, call the State’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-887-4304 or visit Coronavirus.wv.gov.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Governor and First Lady Justice issue statement after learning of first West Virginian to pass away from COVID-19
CHARLESTON, WV – Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice issued the following statement today after learning of the first West Virginian to pass away from COVID-19.
“I ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in praying for the family, friends, and loved ones of this individual,” Gov. Justice said. “It is truly a sad day in West Virginia.”
“We are working around the clock, along with members of my administration, and the top medical experts in our state to do absolutely everything we can to protect West Virginians.
“Our healthcare personnel across the state are real heroes,” Gov. Justice added. “They deserve our love and support during this time because they are committed to caring for our citizens that fall ill.
“I implore all West Virginians to continue to stay at home, limit their exposure to others, keep practicing good hygiene, and if you feel sick seek medical attention right away. Be vigilant, stay calm and do your part to help us keep battling this pandemic.”