COVID-19 In West Virginia: 63 Virus Deaths Reported In 3 Days
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia has reported 63 deaths linked to COVID-19 since the beginning of this week, already more than half as many deaths reported in the previous week's record high virus numbers.
The state reported 890 confirmed cases Wednesday. West Virginia has set records for confirmed virus cases in seven of the past nine weeks.
Gov. Jim Justice said on Wednesday that the state expects to receive its first doses of the Pfizer vaccine within 24 hours after it gains emergency use authorization from the federal government.
Scientists at the Food and Drug Administration already said this week it offers strong protection against COVID-19. The FDA plans to meet Thursday to begin debating if the evidence is strong enough to recommend vaccinating millions of Americans, and a final decision could come within days.
Justice has refused to further close public life and shut down businesses. He said short of closing the entire state down, partial restrictions, such as on restaurants and other establishments, "probably won't make any significant effect."
"Why in the world am I going to blow my foot off if I have no idea if it's going to help at all?" he said.
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