W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice tests positive for COVID-19; governor also had COVID in 2022

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — For the second time, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has tested positive for COVID-19.

The governor began experiencing a sudden onset of symptoms late Tuesday afternoon and immediately sought a COVID test, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

Justice is fully vaccinated and boosted. He is experiencing mild symptoms and is isolating at home.

The governor’s office said Justice is being treated by several physicians, including his family physician, Dr. Gary Poling, and the state’s coronavirus czar, Dr. Clay Marsh.

Everyone Justice has been in close contact with over the past few days has been notified, the governor’s office said.

The news release said Justice has been in communication with his chief of staff and office staff to ensure state government operates smoothly.

In January 2022, Justice also tested positive for COVID-19. He missed his in-person public State of the State address last year because he was recovering and at the time described the virus as “really nasty stuff” and there was no point in “acting macho about it.”