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.
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.