The social and economic life of West Virginia quickly ground to a halt this week as the first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 appeared within the state’s borders.
In the 72 hours after Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency on March 16, the state has closed bars, restaurants, health clubs, recreational facilities and other gathering places. Some cities and counties are enforcing 10-person limits on private gatherings in accordance with CDC recommendations.
West Virginians also finally got some answers about how COVID-19 testing has been rationed so far. Dr. Cathy Slemp, the Commissioner of the WV Bureau for Public Health, explained that the state only has 500 tests to last until the end of the month.
“I would love to be able to test everybody,” Dr. Slemp said. “We are currently testing folks who are seriously ill in hospitals, vulnerable populations in hospitals, and those that have a high risk of having been actually exposed.”
About 150 tests have been administered so far, with only two people testing positive for the virus — one in the eastern panhandle, and one in Mercer County.
Private sector testing began on March 18, which authorities hope will drastically improve data collection in the state. WVU Medicine has teamed up with Quest Diagnostics and Lab Corp to set up five drive-through testing points in the state. Only people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath will be provided tests.
The testing points will be in Morgantown, Parkersburg, Bridgeport, Wheeling, and Martinsburg. The stations will be operating seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm. If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to see if you’re eligible for a test, you can reach the WVU Medicine COVID-19 triage line at 304-598-6000, option 4.
For more of the latest information on COVID-19 in West Virginia, listen to the most recent episode of Almost Heaven: Stories from West Virginia – “COVID-19 In West Virginia (Part 1)”.
