The WV Joint Interagency Task Force will provide businesses, churches and other organizations with resources for those who wish to hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Gov. Jim Justice stated during his Wednesday, April 7, coronavirus briefing that it is important for anyone who can receive the vaccine to do so, and the task force is prepared to help in any way possible.
“If you are 65 years of age or older and you don’t get your vaccine, you are making a terrible mistake,” Justice said. “I truly believe that if you are any age, 16 or up, you should be getting your vaccine.”
Director of the Joint Interagency Task Force, James Hoyer, said that they are prepared to work with any business, church or organization to help them get vaccinations for not only their employees, but employee family members as well.
Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh said he is seeing a rapid increase in some states with UK variant cases and West Virginians should continue to practice social distancing and mask-wearing for a little while longer, at least until the majority of residents can get their vaccine.
Dr. Ayne Amjad added that as of Wednesday there are 142 UK variant cases in West Virginia, and about 160 cases of the California variant.
Most of the UK variant cases have been detected in 19 bordering counties, Amjad said. The main age group being diagnosed with these variants are those 19-40.
“We have got to watch our younger people from the standpoint of transmission,” Justice stated. For this reason, Justice said he would like to encourage younger people to receive their vaccines.
Additionally, for home-bound residents, Justice said to call the hotline number and tell them you would like the vaccine.
Someone will be out to help, Justice added.
As of Wednesday, 892,596 vaccines have been placed in the arms of West Virginians. Of those, 532,890 have received their first dose and 359,000 people have received their second dose of the vaccine, according to Justice.
To help those who may still have concerns or difficulties receiving the vaccine, Justice said that help is just a phone call away.
The West Virginia hotline number is 1-833-734-0965.
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