CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) today confirmed 11 new cases of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been officially reported to the state, making the total positive case count 124.

Through the Marion County Health Department and United Hospital Center, the West Virginia DHHR confirmed an 88-year old female from Marion County has died as a result of COVID-19 yesterday evening. 

To protect the patient’s privacy, no additional details will be released.

“I ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in praying for the family, friends, and loved ones of this individual,” Gov. Justice said. “It is truly a sad day in West Virginia.”

“We extend our sincere condolences to this family,” said Bill J. Crouch, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

As of March 29, 2020, 3,108 residents have been tested for COVID-19, with 124 positive, 2,984 negative and one death.

“I implore all West Virginians to continue to stay at home, limit their exposure to others, keep practicing good hygiene, and if you feel sick seek medical attention right away,” said Gov. Justice. “Be vigilant, stay calm and do your part to help us keep battling this pandemic.”

The state breakdown of cases by county is 10 individuals from Berkeley County, one from Cabell County, two from Greenbrier County, three from Hancock County, seven from Harrison County, eight from Jackson County, five from Jefferson County, 19 from Kanawha County, one from Logan County, five from Marion County, four from Marshall County, three from Mason County, two from Mercer County, 30 from Monongalia County, one from Morgan, seven from Ohio County, one from Pleasants County, one from Preston County, three from Putnam County, four from Raleigh County, two from Tucker County, one from Upshur County, one from Wetzel County, one from Wirt County, and two from Wood County.

“We are working around the clock, along with members of my administration, and the top medical experts in our state to do absolutely everything we can to protect West Virginians,” said Gov. Justice. 

As case surveillance continues at the local health department level, it may reveal that those tested in a certain county may not be a resident of that county, or even the state as an individual in question may have crossed the state border to be tested. 

DHHR is the official reporting agency for COVID-19, and in turn provides official case numbers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Medical providers are required to report test results to their local health departments, which provide them to DHHR. Commercial/private labs are also required to report test results to DHHR. However, the reporting of negative and pending tests to DHHR has been inconsistent, contributing to the delay in official reporting.