CHARLESTON, WV – During Wednesday’s briefing, Gov. Justice called upon all West Virginians age 65 and older who have not yet been vaccinated to schedule an appointment to get the vaccine as soon as possible.
The Governor’s urging comes amid a recent “uptick” in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths being seen in West Virginia and across the nation.
“There’s been a little uptick in this thing, but we don’t want it to turn into a big uptick,” Gov. Justice said. “We have got to be careful. This thing is not over. We’ve lost 26 more great West Virginians just since Monday.”
The Governor went on to say that, while 75% of West Virginians age 65 and older have been vaccinated so far, he wants to see that number improve even further; to as close to 100% as possible.
“We’ve still got about 90,000 of you folks out there – age 65 and older – that have not taken your shot yet,” Gov. Justice said. “Really and truly we have got to get you vaccinated.
“If you are 65 years of age or older and you have chosen to not get your vaccine, you are making a terrible mistake,” Gov. Justice continued. “If you’re age 65 or older and you get this, as we’ve seen, you’re in tough shape. However, if you get your vaccine, the likelihood of you getting this is diminished unbelievably, and even if you were to get it, which is highly unlikely, your odds of being hospitalized go down phenomenally, and the possibility of death is almost zero.
“You have got to get your shot. Please listen to me.”
FACE COVERING REQUIREMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT
Also on Wednesday, Gov. Justice provided a reminder that his Statewide Indoor Face Covering Requirement remains in effect.
All West Virginians age 9 and older to wear a face covering at all times inside all indoor public places, regardless of whether or not they are able to maintain proper social distance. The order requires that all businesses and organizations that invite the public into their facilities must post adequate signage advising guests of the requirement and are also responsible for enforcing the requirement to ensure it is being followed.