West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, his office announced.
Justice said in a statement that he woke up with a cough and congestion, then developed a headache and high fever.
While the 70-year-old governor tested negative with a rapid test, he later received a positive result from a PCR test administered by a state laboratory.
Justice, who is fully inoculated and boosted, said he’s feeling “extremely unwell” after his positive test on Tuesday.
The Republican governor was scheduled to give his sixth State of the State address to the Legislature on Wednesday night.
However, he will now deliver a written message to West Virginia lawmakers and address them at a later date.
Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia has Covid-19 and is feeling “extremely unwell,” his office announced Tuesday night. The Republican governor is vaccinated and boosted, his office said, and has begun receiving a course of monoclonal antibody treatment. https://t.co/bdRjioZzEb
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 12, 2022
West Virginia Gov. Justice says he tested positive for Covid after he woke up with a cough and congestion, then developed a headache and high fever. https://t.co/bvgg237C7h
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 12, 2022
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R) postpones 'State of the State' Address. He said yesterday he has COVID was feeling "extremely unwell." https://t.co/Zt81GDK3MX
— Logan Ratick (@Logan_Ratick) January 12, 2022
The Office of Governor Justice issued this press release:
Today, upon the sudden onset of symptoms Gov. Jim Justice received a positive PCR test for COVID-19. Confirmatory testing was performed by the West Virginia State Lab with an additional positive result. An additional test is being administered tonight to confirm the initial PCR results.
The Governor, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, is experiencing moderate symptoms and is isolating at home.
Upon recommendation from his physicians, the Governor will be receiving a course of monoclonal antibody treatment tonight. He is being treated by several physicians, including Dr. Clay Marsh, MD, the State COVID-19 Czar.
Everyone that the Governor has been in close contact with over the past few days is being notified. West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice tested negative this evening.
Gov. Justice is in communication with his Chief of Staff and office staff to ensure that state government continues to operate smoothly.
The Governor’s State of the State address, scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, 2022, will be delivered by written message to the West Virginia Legislature to satisfy constitutional requirements.
The Governor will deliver an address to the West Virginia Legislature at a later date.
“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,” Gov. Justice said.
“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. I woke up this morning with congestion and a cough. A little while later, I developed a headache and fever, so I decided to get tested right away. The rapid test that I took came back negative, but by the late afternoon, my symptoms were still getting much worse. My blood pressure and heart rate were extremely elevated, and I had a high fever. Finally, my PCR test results this evening confirmed I was positive. Because of all this, I began receiving my antibody treatment and I hope this will lessen these 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. 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.
“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.
“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.”
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