West Virginia COVID hospitalizations expected to decline

The numbers will likely remain relatively static before they start to go down, said Dr. Clay Marsh on Monday.

“We anticipate we see will see a leveling, as we have recently, for hospitalizations for the next days to maybe a week or so,” he said. “Then we should see some reducing of those numbers.”

There were 328 COVID-19 patients hospitalized statewide as of Monday, according to data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

There were 57 COVID-19 patients in ICU units and 12 patients on ventilators.

There were also 16 pediatric COVID-19 patients hospitalized statewide, including seven patients in ICU units and one on a ventilator.

Also Monday, James Hoyer, who leads the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, reiterated that the state has pre-ordered “just short of 50,000” doses of the new Omicron-specific vaccine booster.

“We’re going to be focusing on long-term care/assisted living, West Virginians over the age of 65, and then we will also be engaged in working to get those updated boosters to health care workers, first responders and those on the front lines,” he said.

The shots, called bivalent booster shots, have been formulated to protect against the original coronavirus strain and its BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.

Residents must receive the regular series of COVID-19 vaccines before getting the new booster, according to State Health Officer Dr. Ayn Amjad.

“People will need to have their primary series, or two doses, before they get the booster,” she said. “This is a booster dose, so in order for it to be able to work, you do have to complete that primary series of either Pfizer or Moderna, whichever you prefer, before you can get the booster.”

The DHHR reported six additional COVID-19 deaths Monday morning.

The DHHR confirmed the deaths of an 89-year-old male from McDowell County, a 38-year-old male from Cabell County, a 58-year-old female from Mingo County, an 86-year-old male from Kanawha County, an 81-year-old female from Upshur County and a 73-year-old female from Mercer County.

“As we comfort those who are mourning the loss of a loved one today, we remember all West Virginians who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19,” said DHHR Cabinet Secretary Bill Crouch. “Please do not delay scheduling your vaccine or booster shot.”

A total of 7,274 deaths attributed to COVID-19 have occurred in West Virginia since the start of the pandemic.

West Virginians age 6 months and older are recommended to get vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. Those 5 years and older should receive a booster shot when due. Second booster shots are recommended for those age 50 and over who are four months or more from their first booster, as well as for younger individuals over 12 years old with serious and chronic health conditions that lead to being considered moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Visit the WV COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator, a free online tool that helps individuals figure out when they may be due for a COVID-19 shot, making it easier to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines or to find a vaccine site, visit vaccinate.wv.gov or call 1-833-734-0965.

To locate COVID-19 testing, visit dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/pages/testing.aspx.