CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and state Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh took part in a telephone town hall on Monday covering the coronavirus pandemic, with both noting the uncertainty of when the pandemic will end as well as the stresses associated with the virus.
Capito and Marsh were asked about when the final stage of the pandemic could be, but neither could say when the time is certain to happen.
“There’s a possibility that the vaccine could be ready in January, but that’s not a given,” Capito said.
The senator said the scientific teams behind coronavirus research are making progress in a vaccine.
“We want to make sure the vaccine is safe also. You don’t want to rush it to market and then have some kind of side effects or ineffective vaccines,” she added.
Marsh said one issue is figuring out which part of the virus the vaccine has to address.
“All the vaccines are approaching the same part of the virus, so that’s a real head start,” he said.
Marsh added it is that effort that makes doctors optimistic about developing a vaccine by early next year.
“This is an unseen event by our generation,” he said. “We’re trying to reduce the rate of spread of the virus to the point that we can make sure our health care systems stay open and can work well, and also protect the vulnerable people.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report earlier this month noting the pandemic has resulted in increased symptoms of anxiety and depression; 40.9% of the report’s respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition.”
Capito said the pandemic has been tough on people.
“There’s just a lot going on here,” she said. “Remember to be good to yourself as much as you can during these difficult times.”
The Food and Drug Administration on Sunday approved using plasma from people who recovered from the coronavirus to treat hospitalized patients. Health officials have noted concerns about the treatment because of a lack of data.