During a press conference Wednesday, Gov. Jim Justice said all residents and staff at assisted living facilities will be vaccinated against the coronavirus within the next 30 days.
The first Pfizer vaccines nationwide are expected to be administered on December 21. The governor says the nursing home community in West Virginia is moving quicker than this. He says West Virginia has already vaccinated 2,000 people in long-term care facilities and their staff.
Within the next 30 days, the governor says they plan on vaccinating all assisted living facilities -- including their staff and residents.
West Virginia is in Phase 1 of the vaccination timeline. Vaccinations from December to February will be prioritized for hospital, long-term care, and pharmacies as well as first responders and health care workers. The first phase will also cover teachers and education personnel, plus government, utility workers and those working in public transportation.
Phase 2 of the program will begin in March. The vaccine will then be available to the general population – prioritized by age, oldest to youngest, and pre-existing health conditions.
Elsewhere in the press conference, the Governor also says his administration is considering delaying the return to school. Sports were pushed back to January 11 and he says it could possibly be delayed again.
