CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice says the state has confirmed 20 additional COVID-19 deaths that were not originally reported. It’s the second time in 10 days the state has discovered more virus-related deaths. Justice has called for a full investigation into what’s causing the under-reporting.
“I am really, really, really upset over the fact that whatever the means may be we are being disrespectful to great West Virginians,” Justice said at Friday’s media briefing. “If it’s in my house, the DHHR, it will not be a good day.”
In the previous announcement, made on March 10, the state said approximately 70 providers had not filled out a required state form when there was a COVID-death. There were 168 deaths included in that announcement.
The 20 not previously reported deaths announced Friday include a 96-year old female from Brooke County, an 86-year old female from Wood County, a 94-year old male from Hancock County, a 73-year old female from Tucker County, a 75-year old female from Mineral County, a 79-year old male from Marshall County, an 82-year old male from Berkeley County, a 58-year old male from Wirt County, a 70-year old male from Wetzel County, an 89-year old male from Wood County, a 92-year old female from Kanawha County, a 93-year old female from Hancock County, a 93-year old female from Ohio County, a 74-year old male from Jefferson County, an 84-year old male from Putnam County, a 72-year old male from Tyler County, a 64-year old male from Randolph County, a 75-year old male from Monongalia County, a 76-year old male from Marion County, and a 77-year old male from Nicholas County.
Fixed Clinics
Gov. Justice also announcing Friday the state will open three fixed vaccination clinics across the state in an attempt to clear the list of those 65 and older who have signed up for a vaccine but haven’t yet received an appointment.
Justice said the state call center will be beefed up and those residents will be called. He right now 64% of the state’s residents 65 and older have been vaccinated. Justice said Friday his goal is 85%
Justice also indicated the clinics will welcome those 65 and older who haven’t been contacted.
“We’re going to have three areas and if you can get there–even if someway, somehow you’re on the waitlist and we can’t get you called–we want you to come,” Justice said.
He did not indicate Friday when the clinics would open or where they would be located.
School workers vaccinated
Gov. Justice also announced Friday all school employees that wanted to be vaccinated have now been vaccinated. Justice said not everyone has taken advantage of the opportunity–Justice calling that “a foolish mistake.”
State School Superintendent Clayton Burch said Friday more than 38,000 school workers had been fully vaccinated.
“If you were asked and you wanted a vaccine we got it to you,” Burch said.
Tax break bill
Gov, Justice has introduced a bill to assist the thousands of West Virginians who received unemployment benefits last year. Justice said those residents would not have to pay state taxes on the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits received last year. The bill spells out the exemption.
“This is a huge tax break for thousands of West Virginians who had to endure some really tough going,” Justice said.