The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources reported that there have now been 358 deaths in the state related to COVID-19. Among those confirmed deceased over the weekend are an 86-year old Fayette County woman, and two Kanawha County women; ages 81 and 82.
“Our deepest condolences are extended at this time of grief,” Cabinet Secretary Bill J. Crouch said in a statement posted on the DHHR website.
W.Va. saw a significant increase in the number of laboratory tests conducted over the last three days, with 9,911 performed on Thursday, October 1, 6,575 performed on Friday, October 2 and 7,365 performed on Saturday, October 3. This has increased the total number of completed tests to 589,583, which accounts for 32.396% of the state’s population. The current percentage of the nation’s population who have been tested for the virus is 31.334%. Once again at 2.75%, the cumulative positivity-rate has again seen a slight-decrease. And the daily positivity-rate has reached a five-week low, and is currently 1.97%. There were 173 residents hospitalized as of Saturday, October 3, with 64 being treated in the ICU and 30 being assisted with ventilators.
Free testing this week will occur on Wednesday, October 7 at The Hinton Freight Depot, located at 506 Commercial St. in Hinton. Testing hours are from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The W.Va. DHHR has released guidelines designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition to social distancing and the wearing of protective masks, cough and sneezes should be covered with the elbow, not the hand. Surfaces such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas should be cleaned as often as possible. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness consistent with COVID-19, you should treat it as if you have disease.
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