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CHARLESTON -- Active COVID-19 cases in West Virginia topped 8,000 Monday, according to the latest update from the state Department of Health and Human Resources.
The state reported 8,031 active cases, up from 7,673 on Friday. A total of 689 new cases were reported over the weekend, with some people dropping off the rolls.
The latest data shows an additional 28 deaths attributed to the virus, including five from the Mid-Ohio Valley: a 92-year-old woman from Calhoun County, a 68-year-old woman from Wirt County, a 78-year-old man from Wood County and two men from Wetzel County, ages 70 and 69.
The Calhoun County woman was the oldest individual listed among the fatalities, with the youngest being a 46-year-old Mingo County man.
"We offer our condolences to the families grieving from this loss of life," said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR cabinet secretary. "Just like adults, children are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose. If you plan on traveling to visit family during the holidays, make sure your children are fully protected from the risk of COVID-19."
Active cases in local counties (Friday): Calhoun, 32 (41); Doddridge, 19 (29); Gilmer, 21 (22); Jackson, 90 (84); Pleasants, 36 (34); Ritchie, 42 (41); Roane, 67 (61); Tyler, 30 (29); Wetzel, 94 (90); Wirt, 32 (31); Wood, 415 (368).
The County Alert System Map is filled with red and orange, representing the two highest levels of spread based on the lower statistic of new cases per 100,000 people in a one- or two-week period or percentage of positive tests. No counties in the state were green, the lowest level.
Wood County is in the red category, along with Jackson, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wetzel. Gilmer and Pleasants County are orange, with Calhoun and Tyler in the middle of the scale at gold. Doddridge County was yellow, the second lowest level.
Information about and locations for vaccinations for West Virginians age 5 and older is available at vaccinate.wv.gov.
Free testing is available at mulitple locations, which can be found online at https://dhhr.wv.gov/covid-19/pages/testing.aspx.
The Partnership of African American Churches will hold a free walk-in vaccine clinic and drive-thru testing event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Marys United Methodist Church, 104 Washington St., St. Marys.
Free tests and vaccinations will be available on a first come, first serve bases for anyone with a valid photo ID. Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for ages 12 and up will be available. All children under the age of 18 wanting to be vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No insurance is required.
Test results are usually back within 48 to 72 hours.
More information is available by email at surge.testing@paac2.org, calling 304-741-7157 or visiting the PAAC COVID-19 Surge Team on Facebook and Instagram @PAAC.Surge.
The group, whose stated mission is to improve the well-being of all West Virginians by including individuals and communities of color, is holding the event in an effort to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black residents and other people of color.