Gov. Jim Justice reads off the most recent coronavirus statistics for the state. (Photo courtesy of the WV Governor’s Office)

CHARLESTON — While the daily number of coronavirus cases in West Virginia have been trending downward, Gov. Jim Justice and state health officials want the public to keep to recommended social distancing guidelines.

“Because our numbers are phenomenal doesn’t mean there can’t be issues tomorrow in West Virginia. It’s all up to you,” Justice said Thursday during his coronavirus briefing at the State Capitol Building. “The numbers continue to be great and even greater, but it’s all up to you.”

Several states, including California, Texas, North Carolina and Arizona are seeing increases in COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days, according to the New York Times. While some of these increases in cases are due to increased testing, some states –such as Arizona — are starting to see their intensive care unit beds start to fill up.

“We know that 19 states are seeing an increase in the number of COVID cases, and nine of those states have seen an increase in hospitalizations,” said Dr. Clay Marsh, the state coronavirus czar. “We have been very much on top of our game and have not seen a surge for the first time in the COVID pandemic, we know today as we come back out again that we, just like every other state, are at risk of seeing that spread increase.”

In West Virginia, the number of daily cases has come down since surges in Berkeley County and an outbreak at the Huttonsville Correctional Facility in Randolph County last month. According to the Department of Health and Human Resources, there have been 2,212 coronavirus cases in West Virginia since the state first reported that a Jefferson County man tested positive March 17.

As of Thursday, there were only 611 active coronavirus cases in the state — people who have either self-quarantined or have been admitted to a hospital due to severe symptoms. The number of daily cases peaked twice in April with 73 cases. May also saw two large spikes in cases — 67 on May 22 and 69 on May 26 — due to the Huttonsville outbreak and the Berkeley County spike. Since then, the number of daily cases has stayed below 21.

West Virginia has tested nearly 7 percent of its population for COVID-19, with testing of all nursing homes, assisted living facilities, daycares, prisons and jails, and free weekend drive-thru testing for minority and communities at high-risk for COVID-19 infection. The state’s RT number — which shows whether the spread is getting worse in the state and how many people can transmit the infection to another person — consistently remains below one.

“We continue to follow these vital statistics, and we’re following the reproduction rate,” Marsh said. “Instead of looking at the state as just a single whole, we look at the state as counties and areas. What we’re starting to see is certain areas that have an increase in their (reproductive) values. Working with DHHR…we are now starting to look at targeting some of the assessments working with local health departments and county health officers to try to do more testing in some of these areas.”

Still, concerns remain as the state continues to re-open. Justice announced Thursday that cabinet secretaries are working on plans to bring state workers back into offices. While Justice is leaving the specific planning up to the departments, health officials would be releasing guidance for state agencies. Those who could still do their work from home would be encouraged to keep doing so.

“Many people have worked from home and they’ve done terrific work,” Justice said. “I don’t think we hardly skipped a beat. I congratulate all those state employees for all the great work they’ve done. As we transition back to work, we’re still going to have people who have the flexibility through our cabinet secretaries to tele-work and work in that manner.”

Justice also announced that the State Fair of West Virginia will start Aug. 13-22. Other state fairs and festivals are allowed to re-start after July 1. Though all of these events will be under strict social distancing guidelines, the events are sure to draw in large numbers of people in one place. Justice said he has concerns, but health officials will monitor all counties closely for surges. He encouraged everyone to keep their distance and keep wearing masks.

“The fair is so meaningful to so many,” Justice said. “It’s a phenomenal event and a celebration of West Virginia, as well as our other fairs and festivals. Support them, be smart, wear your mask if you choose to do so. Stay at social distance and everything. Absolutely, I highly encourage you to go to the state fair.”

Steven Allen Adams can be reached at sadams@newsandsentinel.com.