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Staff Report
CHARLESTON -- Statewide COVID-19 coronavirus cases rose nearly 50 from Thursday to Friday, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources said.
The state reported 817 active cases Friday, up 48 from 769 on Thursday. Another 279 new positive cases were received in the 24-hour period between Thursday and Friday mornings, the department said.
Twelve counties are yellow on the County Alert System Map. Yellow is second lowest to green based on percent positivity and infection rate. Wetzel County went from green to yellow on Friday, joining Ritchie, Doddridge and Gilmer counties.
All other counties in the region and the state are green.
Doddridge, Gilmer and Pleasants counties were listed as "medium" on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID Community Level measurements based on new cases per 100,000 people and hospitalization statistics in the preceding seven days.
Residents at risk of severe illness are advised to consult with their health care provider about what precautions to take, including wearing a mask, in counties ranked medium.
All other counties in the region are ranked as "low," of which the recommendations include keeping up with vaccinations and boosters and testing if symptoms arise.
Active cases in local counties on Friday (Thursday) were: Calhoun, 3 (2); Doddridge, 3 (3); Gilmer, 9 (7); Jackson, 7 (7); Pleasants, 0 (0); Ritchie, 7 (7); Roane, 10 (8); Tyler, 4 (5); Wetzel, 11 (8); Wirt, 0 (0); Wood, 46 (41).The state reported 146 patients are in state hospitals with COVID complications with 23 in an intensive care unit and 10 on a ventilator. Three pediatric patients with one on a ventilator also were reported.
One death was reported between Thursday and Friday, a 92-year-old man from Jefferson County.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to all grieving the loss of their loved ones," said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. "Please schedule a COVID-19 vaccine or booster today to protect yourself and those around you."
The death count as of Friday was 7,514 residents. To compare, total deaths are more than the population of Dunbar.