The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources reported that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state increased to 39 on Tuesday, a jump of 19 over Monday’s number.
Monongalia County saw the biggest increase, with a total of 16 confirmed cases now in that county. Many of those came from a nursing home where several residents and staff members tested positive, according to a previous story.
Overall, the state has tested 798 people since the pandemic began.
“The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources today confirmed 19 new cases of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state, making the total positive case count at 39,” the DHHR said in a press release Tuesday evening. “New cases were identified in Berkeley, Harrison, Jackson, Monongalia, Preston and Wood counties.”
The county totals break down like this: Berkeley (2), Harrison (3), Jackson (2), Jefferson (3), Kanawha (4), Marshall (2), Mercer (2), Monongalia (16), Preston (1), Putnam (1), Tucker (2) and Wood (1).
“As of March 24, 2020, at 8 p.m., 798 residents have been tested for COVID-19, with 39 positive, 759 negative and six tests pending (at the state lab),” according to the release. “These numbers include positive and negative tests from the state’s public health lab, commercial labs and hospitals.”
Worldwide, the number of confirmed cases topped 400,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins. More than 18,600 people have died.
In the U.S., the number of positive results broke 50,000 on Tuesday and reached 53,740 by late evening. Only China (81,591) and Italy (69,176) have more confirmed cases.
For the most up to date information, please visit www.coronavirus.wv.gov or http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19.