CHARLESTON — During his Monday press briefing, Gov. Justice reported that West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration.

As of Monday, 92,070 1st doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 13,469 second doses have been administered, totaling 105,539 doses distributed statewide.

Gov. Justice announced that 100% of the first-doses of vaccine West Virginia has received from the federal government up to today have either been administered or are scheduled to be administered to a specific person this week.

“West Virginia knew how to move without a playbook. We knew how to move to get things done,” Gov. Justice said. “We are accomplishing some really wonderful things and I know we will continue to lead the pack in terms of caring for our people.”

Additionally Monday, Gov. Justice once again highlighted the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker, noting that West Virginia continues to be the top-ranked state in the entire nation for vaccine distribution on a per capita basis.

“As the world sees West Virginia leading, it drives people to us,” Gov. Justice said. “It makes people want to come to us and it changes our image. It does so much good for the state.”

Gov. Justice announced that a new tab has been added to the West Virginia COVID-19 dashboard. The new tab shows a variety of data including total number of first doses administered and total number of fully vaccinated individuals.

Also on Monday, Gov. Justice provided a reminder that the State has launched a new COVID-19 Vaccine Info Line to help West Virginians get information on the distribution process and availability of COVID-19 vaccines. The VACCINE INFO LINE: 1-833-734-0965

The line operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit vaccinate.wv.gov for more information, including details on vaccine availability and other frequently asked questions.

During Monday’s briefing, Gov. Justice announced that he issued an executive order establishing that all West Virginia public and private elementary and middle schools may reopen to in-person learning five days each week beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. All high schools will remain closed to in person classes and extracurricular activities if the school’s county is in the red on the DHHR County Alert System. 

Additionally, Gov. Justice issued another executive order announcing that winter sports teams will be able to begin practicing on February 14th, with games beginning on March 3rd.

Additional guidance will be published by the West Virginia Department of Education later this week.

Also on Monday, Gov. Justice reported that the current number of active cases in the state is now 29,257, up from 28,189 active cases during the Governor’s previous COVID-19 briefing on Friday January 8.

West Virginia has recorded 1,070 new positive cases over the past 24 hours.

The number of active hospitalizations is now 755 patients, down from 787 on Friday, with 212 of those patients currently in the ICU.

The cumulative percent of positive cases has now reached 5.38%.

Also on Monday, Gov. Justice once again encouraged all West Virginians to consider donating blood and plasma through the American Red Cross.

In the Governor’s recent call with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Vice President Mike Pence said that there is still a shortage of plasma and blood all across the nation.

Those fully recovered from a verified COVID-19 diagnosis may have plasma in their blood containing COVID-19 antibodies that can attack this virus. This plasma is being evaluated as a possible treatment for currently ill COVID-19 patients.

For more information, visit redcross.org or call the local American Red Cross offices at 304-340-3650.

Gov. Justice also issued a proclamation Sunday ordering that all United States and West Virginia flags on all State-owned facilities be displayed at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

The proclamation was established to honor of the life and service of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood.