DECEMBER 7, 2021 UPDATE
The Greater Greenbrier COVID-19 Task Force met this morning via conference call and reports the following information.
- GREENBRIER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. We continue to see cases across the county. We are seeing a small amount of breakthrough cases, but these folks aren’t getting as sick. Most new cases are among the unvaccinated. Omicron is the newest concerning variant as it seems to spread more easily than past variants, but we are still learning about it. Everyone who is six months out from their vaccine is eligible for a booster. We continue to recommend masks indoors for the health of the community. Flu and RSV were way down last year, for example, as more folks were masking.
- GREENBRIER COUNTY SCHOOLS. Masks continue to be required as we are “orange” on the state map. Every week, we post what percentage of students are in quarantine or isolation by school. No school is above 3% currently. We take this as a good sign that our safety precautions are working.
- GREENBRIER VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER. We have seen a rise in cases since Thanksgiving. Currently, there are 5 COVID patients at the hospital with 2 on vents and 4 in the ICU. Visitors are allowed on a limited basis currently (one per patient) from 11am-8pm.
- ROBERT C BYRD CLINIC. We continue to do COVID-19 testing and treatment in our mobile clinic Monday – Friday from 9:00 am until noon and 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. We have ample supplies of all COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, we hold scheduled vaccine clinics every Thursday and Friday; call 304-645-3220 for an appointment. We can also provide COVID-19 vaccines during routine clinic visits; just ask your nurse or provider. We still have flu vaccines available and encourage everyone to get theirs soon. We still offer the Monoclonal Antibody treatments when ordered by a provider.
- RAINELLE MEDICAL CENTER. Free testing all day on Monday and Wednesday, 10-12 on all other days by appointment. Antibodies daily depending on staffing ( IV & subcutaneous injections) also by appointment. Vaccines: Tues 1-5:30 and all day on Thursday. We have all vaccines available–Moderna, Pfizer, J & J. We also have 3rd dose and booster available according to CDC guidelines. Also we have plenty of flu vaccine available daily. We will run out of monoclonal antibody treatments by the end of the day and hope to secure more in the future.
- COMMITTEE ON AGING. Our centers remain closed for activities and meals (Fairlea and Rupert), but we continue to offer in-home/delivery services. We are also continuing to provide all regular services. Masks are required at our facilities.
- THE HUB. We re-opened our Café! Meals are served: Wed-Thurs: 10 am – 6 pm, Fri: 10 am – 8 pm. Come on by! Grab and Go Dinner Specials are available W-Fri, $5 for community members and free for 18 and under. Order by noon. Now hiring young people in our Café and Tech Express youth training businesses, and hiring AmeriCorps volunteers. Call us if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding job: 304-647-4994.
- WV SENATE. I will contact the Joint Interagency Task Force about getting additional monoclonal antibody treatments for local providers. Today, the state passed a grim milestone having recorded over 5,000 deaths during the pandemic. Statewide, case counts are rising significantly. Our infection rates have increased 6x over the past week. Nearly all of the state is “red” or “orange.” We are all completely ready for this to be over, but it will not end until we defeat the virus. We defeat the virus through vaccines and safe practices such as masks and handwashing. Please take precautions or else it will be another long winter. Let’s come together to defeat this so we can get back to life as we know it.
Submitted by Senator Stephen Baldwin, chair of the Task Force.
