(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

West Virginians are still dying of COVID-19 and its variants at an alarming rate — 31 new deaths reported Monday alone. In fact, the Mountain State has lost at least 5,877 so far because of the virus. That is horrific enough, but one population is taking a particularly hard hit.

Corrections officers and those who are incarcerated seem to be at an enormous risk for contracting the virus. Also reported Monday were the 234 positive COVID-19 cases among state correctional facility staff, and 915 cases among inmates. Cpl. Christopher Scarberry, 31, of Genoa, died Sunday. He was the fourth corrections officer to die of the virus, and had been serving at the Western Regional Jail in Cabell County.

Readers may be surprised by Scarberry’s age. Gov. Jim Justice said “This is just a kid with all kinds of life in front of him.” But we should all understand by now this virus can be deadly for those of all ages. The other corrections officers we have lost are: Paula Jo Tomlin, 51; Cpl. Mark Rustemeyer, 58; and Lt. Delmar Dean, 49.

Health officials and the administrators of these facilities have a responsibility to seek solutions that will keep everyone — staff and inmates — safer. The nature of such facilities makes that an even greater challenge. But perhaps better education efforts on the safety and effectiveness of vaccination would be a start. Stricter enforcement of hygiene and separation policies may also be necessary. Surely something can be done to lessen the danger for staff and inmates.

No population should be forgotten in our effort to stop this monster.