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Staff Report
CHARLESTON -- Statewide active cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus remained under 1,000 Tuesday, but another three deaths were reported in the 24 hours since Monday's pandemic report, according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
The state reported 933 active COVID-19 cases, down 11 from Monday morning. Also, another 287 new cases were received since the Monday report, the state said.
Current active cases in local counties are (previous report): Calhoun 2 (2); Doddridge 0 (0); Gilmer 3 (3); Jackson 8 (9); Pleasants 2 (1); Ritchie 10 (8); Roane 13 (13); Tyler 4 (3); Wetzel 14 (12); Wirt 0 (0); Wood 47 (42).
Ten counties across the state are yellow on the County Alert System Map, four fewer than on Monday. Of the 10, four are in this region: Roane, Wetzel, Gilmer and Ritchie counties.
All other counties are green, lowest level on the map that is based on infection rates and percent positivity.
The death count since the pandemic began in 2020 as of Tuesday was at 7,649 residents.
The department reported it has confirmed the deaths of a 69-year-old woman from McDowell County, an 87-year-old man from Raleigh County and an 84-year-old woman from Kanawha County.
Condolences were offered by Dr. Jeffrey H. Coben, interim secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Coben was named interim director Monday upon the announcement Bill Couch will retire at the end of the year.
"At the holidays, we want to gather with family in our homes, not in the hospital," Coben said. "Protect yourself and your loved ones by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine."
Hospitalizations rose by three between Monday and Tuesday to 182 with 32 patients in an intensive care unit and 13 on a ventilator. Two pediatric cases in an ICU also were reported.
West Virginians 6 months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. All individuals 6 months and older should receive a primary series of vaccination, the initial set of shots that teaches the body to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. At this time, one Omicron booster shot (bivalent) is recommended for everyone 5 years and older who completed the primary series, and their most recent COVID-19 shot was at least two months ago.