CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not deliver his State of the State address Wednesday in person.
The governor received a positive PCR test Tuesday. A test to confirm the result was performed by the West Virginia State Laboratory, with an additional positive result. An additional test was administered to confirm the initial PCR results, according to a news release from the Governor's Office.
Justice, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, is experiencing moderate symptoms and has been isolated at home.
“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.
Upon recommendation from his physicians, the governor received a course of monoclonal antibody treatment Tuesday night. He is being treated by several physicians, including Dr. Clay Marsh, the state COVID-19 czar.
Everyone who the governor has been in close contact with over the past few days has been notified. West Virginia first lady Cathy Justice tested negative Tuesday evening.
The governor is in communication with his chief of staff and office staff to ensure that state government continues to operate smoothly.
Justice's State of the State address, scheduled for Wednesday, will be delivered by written message to the Legislature to satisfy constitutional requirements. The governor will deliver an address to the Legislature at a later date.
“That being said, I feel extremely unwell at this point, and I have no choice but to postpone my State of the State address to the Legislature," he said.
Justice said he awakened Tuesday morning with congestion and a cough. A little while later, he developed a headache and fever, so he decided to get tested. The rapid test came back negative, but by the late afternoon, his symptoms were still getting much worse. His blood pressure and heart rate were extremely elevated, and he had a high fever. Justice's PCR test results Tuesday evening confirmed he was positive. He began receiving antibody treatment and hopes this will lessen the symptoms.
“For this to happen just one night before the State of the State – knowing I won’t be able to be there – saddens me," Justice said. "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. 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.
“So I apologize in every way for not being able to join you tomorrow night, and I especially apologize to all our invited guests who are having to change their plans. 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.”
The governor's COVID-19 news conference set for Wednesday morning has been canceled.
“I ask everyone to continue praying for the 5,452 great West Virginians that we’ve lost. We need to keep pulling the rope together. We’re going to get through this and put an end to this terrible pandemic once and for all," Justice said.