The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources has reported the death of an 87-year old Marshall County woman. The death, which was attributed to complications of COVID-19, was reported on Monday, October 26.
In a statement posted on the DHHR website, Cabinet Secretary Bill J. Crouch said, “Our heart goes out to this West Virginian and her family. Please continue taking every precaution to slow the spread of this horrible disease.”
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is spread primarily from person to person; typically between people who are in close contact with one another. Studies indicate that COVID-19 can be spread by those who are not experiencing symptoms of the virus. The CDC recommends frequent washing of hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer consisting of 60% alcohol is a suitable substitute. A mask should be worn over the mouth and nose at all times while around others.
On Sunday, October 25, 13,097 laboratory tests were performed across West Virginia, the most the state has conducted in a single day since the onset of the pandemic. This brings the state’s seven-day average to 6,857. Although there were 317 new cases of COVID-19 identified within the last 24 hours, at 1.28%, the daily positivity-rate reached a nine-week low.
The cumulative positivity-rate is 2.85%. 734,967 total tests have now been performed statewide, identifying 20,814 confirmed and 1,409 probable positive cases; 5,031 of which are currently active. 215 residents are presently hospitalized with COVID-19, 71 of whom are receiving care in the ICU and 23 are being assisted with ventilators. There have now been 424 deaths due to complications of the virus, and 16,768 of those infected have since recovered.
Over the last seven-days, the trends have remained consistent. The virus is still more prevalent in females. 46.8% of those infected have been female, while only 39.4% have been male. Those age 70 and over remain the most impacted. 322 of last week’s 1,881 cases have been identified in those ages 70 and over. Children age 9 and younger account for only 89 positive cases within the same period.
When compared to bordering states, at 1.973%, West Virginia is second behind Kentucky’s 1.495% case fatality rate. West Virginia currently has the best results in both percentage of the population who have tested positive, as well as cumulative positivity-rate. However, at 52.100%, Maryland has surged ahead of West Virginia’s 39.883% of the total population tested. Although West Virginia remains ahead of the national result of 38.540%.
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