W.Va. Gov. Justice tests positive for COVID-19
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CHARLESTON – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has tested positive for COVID-19.
Tonight’s State of the State address will be delivered to the Legislature in writing to satisfy state constitutional requirements, with Justice planning to speak to lawmakers at a later date, according to a release issued by the governor’s office just before midnight.
“While I was surprised that my test results came back positive, I'm thankful to the Lord above that I've been vaccinated, I've been boosted, and that I have an incredible support system, especially my loving family," Justice said in the release. "That being said, I feel extremely unwell at this point, and I have no choice but to postpone my State of the State address to the Legislature.”
Justice said he woke up Tuesday with congestion and a cough and opted to get tested when he developed a headache and fever. Although the rapid test came back negative, his blood pressure and heart rate became elevated by late afternoon and his fever rose, the release said. A PCR test came back positive.
Upon the recommendation of his physicians, including state coronavirus czar Dr. Clay Marsh, Justice began receiving a course of monoclonal antibody treatment Tuesday night, the release said. He is isolating at home.
“I apologize in every way for not being able to join you (Wednesday) night, and I especially apologize to all our invited guests who are having to change their plans,” Justice said. “I'll be back in front of you in-person before you know it. I thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone soon."
Marsh said in the release that Justice took the right course of action by getting tested at the first sign of a COVID-related symptom and isolating.
“I have full confidence that Gov. Justice will recover quickly, and it's because he chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and his booster shot,” Marsh said. “Without the immunity afforded by those vaccines, his outcome could be much worse.
“I continue to strongly encourage all West Virginians to take the COVID-19 vaccine and get boosted when it's time to do so,” he said. “Everyone is susceptible to this infection, and with cases in the U.S. and in West Virginia at all-time highs, there has never been a more important time to get yourself and your family vaccinated."