West Virginia Gov. Justice on loss of 2 state residents to COVID in their 40s: 'Really sad' to die 'before you even hardly get started'

Justice also recognized the other 17 West Virginia deaths from COVID-19 since his pandemic briefing Monday.

The state has reported 2,748 deaths since the pandemic began in West Virginia in early 2020.

Justice also said the state is "ready to be able to move" once the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention OKs the Pfizer vaccine for residents ages 12 through 15. Officials will stage vaccine clinics at events like the West Virginia Strawberry Festival in Buckhannon, according to James Hoyer, who runs the state's vaccine program.

It's estimated the state has about 78,000 people in that age group. The goal will be to get as many of those individuals vaccinated with at least one shot against COVID-19 by June 20, when the public indoor mask mandate will be lifted. State officials want to get the overall rate to at least 65% of those eligible for shots to have received at least one dose by then.

Hoyer said there's "no major problem at this time" getting enough Pfizer vaccine for state residents, even with the addition of those 12 to 15.

State residents 16 and older are eligible to be vaccinated. The state has administered at least one dose to 55.6% of that population. The state has fully vaccinated 46.4% of that population.

Dr. Ayne Amjad, state health officer, implored residents to get vaccinated.

The state remains committed to providing $100 saving bonds or swipe cards to residents 16 through 35 who get vaccinated. Justice said state officials would try to provide that benefit to those from 12 through 15. That will depend on whether funding is available, the governor said.

DHHR Secretary Bill Crouch asked residents to get tested if they believe they might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have the virus.

Justice also noted that starting next week, pandemic briefings will drop from three to two. Briefings will be held Monday and Wednesday next week. Briefings will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays in subsequent weeks. The governor reserved the right to increase the number of briefings if conditions warrant.

Justice said he will continue to offer a press briefing virtually one day per week even after the pandemic wanes. "I'll be with you one day a week forever," Justice said. He explained he sees benefit reaching out to all parts of the state through the virtual briefings.