Gov. Justice Clarifies Reopening Dates, State Officials Address Contact Tracing Needs

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice clarified some aspects of his plan to reopen the state and addressed concerns over what capabilities the state might have to trace a second wave of the coronavirus should it reappear. Justice said that the state will need to “find a way to live with the virus” as the economy reopens.

In a Tuesday virtual briefing, Justice said Week One of his reopening plan — which allows professional medical boards to reopen outpatient health care — is already underway. He also said Week Two would begin early next week.

“[Week Two] will commence next Monday, a week from yesterday, provided we have three days in this week — which are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — that get us under three percent,” Justice said.

Under Justice’s plan, the state needs to maintain a cumulative COVID-19 positive test rate under three percent for three consecutive days. According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Tuesday morning update, the state has confirmed 37 deaths resulting from COVID-19. Health officials are reporting 1,079 positive cases out of 40,489 tests — resulting in a positive test rate of 2.66 percent.

Read more: https://www.wvpublic.org/post/gov-justice-clarifies-reopening-dates-state-officials-address-contact-tracing-needs