CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Active cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia are once again in excess of 1,000.
Members of Gov. Jim Justice’s coronavirus task force calling the increase during Friday’s media briefing–a temporary spike.
InterAgency Task Force Director Jim Hoyer says they believe the spike won’t last long.
“We believe right now it is not the national surge that is out there in other states but a spike that has come after what we normally see after holidays,” Hoyer said.
State officials believes spring break trips and Easter activities have contributed to the spike.
Hoyer said it’s very important to stay up to date on vaccines especially for those over 50.
The state’s team has reviewed analytical data, Hoyer said.
“They look at this across areas from holidays to travel,” he said.
Active cases Friday were at 1,114, the highest level since early March. Hospitalizations were at 100 Friday.
Gov. Jim Justice said 7 counties are now in the yellow designation on the COVID-19 daily alert map. He urged state residents not to let down their guard.
“We can beat this thing down period but the only tool we’ve got in the toolbox is the vaccine,” Justice said.