Gov. Justice lauds state having just 71 new positive COVID-19 cases in past 24 hours

He said it was an "amazing" feat that the COVID-19 County Alert System map was nearly all in green, the color representing the least infectious state.

The state has 61.5% of its eligible population with at least one COVID-19 vaccine. 77% of those 55 or older have received at least one shot, Justice added.

West Virginia's women continue to outpace men in receiving vaccines, at 55% to 45%, according to DHHR figures.

West Virginia's COVID-19 medical response director, Dr. Clay Marsh of WVU Medicine, said it's important for state residents to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. The Delta variant eventually soon will become the main strain of COVID-19 in the country and the state, Marsh predicted. The Delta variant is "much more infectious than any variant we have in the world right now," and it's been deadly, even among young adults and children, Marsh said. Full vaccination has provided excellent protection against it, Marsh added.

"Once the Delta variant is here, it's going to cause a lot of problems" among those not vaccinated or only partially vaccinated, Marsh said.

Dr. Ayne Amjad, state health officer, added that one long-term care facility that had a significantly lower vaccination rate than others has had three deaths. She also urged vaccinations among residents and staff at long-term care facilities, and among all state residents.

Amjad added that even though she's vaccinated, she still would consider wearing a mask if she's in a large, crowded indoor area where it's unclear who's vaccinated.

Meanwhile, booster vaccine shots have yet to be approved by federal regulatory agencies, noted retired National Guard Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, who leads the state's vaccine program. Hoyer said state officials are preparing to be ready to distribute booster shots rapidly and efficiently. Booster shots would be designed to extend immunity and to address changes in COVID-19.

Marsh added that it would be necessary to reach an 85% to 90% vaccination rate to reach "herd immunity" against COVID-19 variants. He added that's not a realistic goal, and pointed out that those who aren't vaccinated would be at risk no matter what from the virus variants.

The governor began the briefing by announcing seven pandemic deaths since Tuesday's briefing. The state now has 2,863 pandemic dead.

About 245,000 state residents have registered for the COVID-19 vaccine lottery, Justice said. While it was too late to register Thursday for the drawing to be held this week, there will be other drawings through early August, the governor said. The state will contact individuals who have won prizes, and they will be invited to Charleston for Sunday's West Virginia Day festivities to learn what they won.

Prizes include seven-figure cash handouts, pickup trucks, guns and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.

The governor said state officials are conducting cross-checks to make sure only the vaccinated can win the prizes.

Sunday will be the last day for those 16 through 35 to register to receive a $100 gift card or $100 savings bond, Justice said. The registration ends 1 minute before midnight.