CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Governor’s Office late Tuesday announced Justice opted to get tested after experiencing “the sudden onset of symptoms,” including congestion and coughing.
Following a positive PCR test, the West Virginia State Lab performed confirmatory testing, which produced another positive result.
Justice is fully vaccinated, and he has received a booster dose. According to his office, he is experiencing moderate symptoms and remains isolated at home. Justice said in a statement he was feeling “extremely unwell at this point.”
“While I was surprised that my test results came back positive, I’m thankful to the Lord above that I’ve been vaccinated, I’ve been boosted, and that I have an incredible support system, especially my loving family,” Justice said.
The governor will receive monoclonal antibody treatment because of his age.
State Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh and several physicians are treating Justice. Marsh noted Justice made the right decision by getting tested after noticing symptoms.
“I have full confidence that Governor Justice will recover quickly, and it’s because he chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and his booster shot,” Marsh said.
“Without the immunity afforded by those vaccines, his outcome could be much worse. I continue to strongly encourage all West Virginians to take the COVID-19 vaccine and get boosted when it’s time to do so. Everyone is susceptible to this infection, and with cases in the U.S. and in West Virginia at all-time highs, there has never been a more important time to get yourself and your family vaccinated.”
Justice was scheduled to give his State of the State address Wednesday evening at the state Capitol. The West Virginia Legislature will instead receive a written copy of the address to satisfy constitutional requirements. According to his office, Justice will deliver an address to lawmakers at a later date.
Justice was also scheduled to take part in an announcement regarding an economic development project in West Virginia. State officials will announce the project without the governor.
“For this to happen just one night before the State of the State – knowing I won’t be able to be there – saddens me. There are so many great things happening in West Virginia right now. Tomorrow, even though I won’t be there, we are going to showcase what we’ve accomplished with economic development in West Virginia. We are on a rocket ship ride and the world is finally waking up to it,” the governor said. “But, because of this pandemic, we all must adjust and realize that our lives aren’t the same as they were a few short years ago.”
Officials additionally canceled a coronavirus briefing scheduled for Wednesday.
“I’ll be back in front of you in-person before you know it. I thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone soon,” Justice said.