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CHARLESTON -- Statewide cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus again exceeded 1,000 Thursday in the latest pandemic report from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
The department reported 1,028 active cases, up from 941 reported on Wednesday, and 418 new cases were received since Wednesday.
The last time cases were over 1,000 was 1,055 on Dec. 10.
Eleven counties are yellow, one more than Wednesday, on the County Alert System Map. Yellow is second lowest to green.
Wetzel, Tyler and Ritchie counties in this region are yellow. All other counties in the state are green.
Current active cases in local counties are (previous report): Calhoun 2 (2); Doddridge 0 (0); Gilmer 1 (1); Jackson 18 (9); Pleasants 3 (2); Ritchie 8 (10); Roane 9 (8); Tyler 5 (5); Wetzel 13 (10); Wirt 1 (1); Wood 49 (41).
Hospitalizations were at 177 on Thursday with 24 patients in an intensive care unit and 11 on a ventilator. Two pediatric cases with one in an ICU also were reported.
Another eight people have been confirmed as deaths from the virus since the Wednesday report. The death count since the pandemic started was at 7,657 as of Thursday.
Among the eight was an 81-year-old man from Wetzel County. Also confirmed were an 86-year-old woman from Ohio County, an 84-year-old woman from Monongalia County, a 60-year-old woman from Berkeley County, a 77-year-old man from Cabell County, a 71-year-old woman from Nicholas County, a 72-year-old man from Raleigh County and a 79-year-old woman from Harrison County.
"If you haven't received your COVID booster and flu shot, I encourage you to schedule both today," said Dr. Jeffrey H. Coben, Interim DHHR Cabinet Secretary. "They provide the best assurance for a healthy holiday season and time with loved ones."
Staying up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters can lessen the chance of severe complications, hospitalization or death from the virus, according to state officials.
Residents 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 ages 6 months and older who completed the primary series and their most recent COVID-19 shot was at least two months ago.
The West Virginia COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator is a free online tool to determine the due date for a COVID-19 shot, making it easier to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, or to find a vaccine, go to vaccines.gov, vaccinate.wv.gov or call 1-833-734-0965.