Staff Writer
ELKINS Local officials discussed a change that makes all inmates at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail part of the county’s weekly coronavirus numbers Monday during Randolph County’s Office of Emergency Management COVID-19 update conference call.
Bonnie Woodrum, the Randolph-Elkins Health Department’s infectious disease specialist, reported during the meeting that there were currently 255 active coronavirus cases in the county. When asked during the session why the state was reporting a higher number of close to 500 on their website, Woodrum explained, “That’s because they (state) are switching over positive cases from inmates at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. In the past they’ve been reported from Barbour County, because the jail had an address for Belington for some reason. But now they’re listed in Randolph County and they currently have 360 active cases. All of those active cases are being switched one at a time from Barbour to Randolph, so that numb
West Virginia Jails Are Overcrowded, Making COVID Worse The state’s regional jails have had more than 800 inmates test positive for COVID-19, due in part to over capacity by 1,300 inmates, making virus control extremely difficult. Lacie Pierson, The Charleston Gazette-Mail | January 6, 2021 | Analysis
(TNS) Since Dec. 1, there have been COVID-19 outbreaks in five of West Virginia s regional jails and at least four correctional centers.
During that time, at least 833 inmates in the 10 regional jails throughout West Virginia tested positive for the virus, and three outbreaks in three separate jails exceeded 190 cases two outbreaks exceeded 250 cases.
During the whole month of December, and so far in January, the regional jails have operated at no fewer than 1,300 inmates above their listed capacity, despite efforts earlier this year to lower inmate populations because of the pandemic, as well as a new bail
CHARLESTON â Since Dec. 1, there have been COVID-19 outbreaks in five of West Virginiaâs regional jails and at least four correctional centers.
During that time, at least 833 inmates in the 10 regional jails throughout West Virginia tested positive for the virus, and three outbreaks in three separate jails exceeded 190 cases â two outbreaks exceeded 250 cases.
During the whole month of December, and so far in January, the regional jails have operated at no fewer than 1,300 inmates above their listed capacity, despite efforts earlier this year to lower inmate populations because of the pandemic, as well as a new bail reform law for magistrates that went into effect this summer.
West Virginia Gov Justice to Mountain Staters: Don t forget all those on front lines going to bat for you wvnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wvnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice provides update on vaccine distribution; announces increased utilization of monoclonal antibody treatment
VACCINE DISTRIBUTION UPDATE
During Wednesday’s briefing, Gov. Justice discussed how West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration.
After receiving 44,300 new doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines this week, West Virginia has now received a total of 60,875 doses since vaccination efforts began across the nation on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020.
As of Wednesday, 18,488 doses have been administered, meaning West Virginia has recorded a 30.3% overall administration rate.
West Virginia achieved a 91.3% administration rate in the first week of the state’s vaccination program.