W.Va. governor says health is improving after testing positive for COVID-19

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) said he “feels much better” on Thursday after announcing two days earlier that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was feeling “extremely unwell.”

“Thankfully, I am feeling much better today,” Justice said. “I desperately want to get out of this house and back to serving our state. I am not one to lay around.

According to a press release, he said he was now experiencing mild symptoms and added that his choice to get vaccinated and boosted “saved my life.”

“Without question, the fact that I chose to get vaccinated and boosted saved my life, that’s all there is to it,” he said.

Justice also urged West Virginians to protect their families and themselves by getting vaccinated.

“So, now more than ever, I strongly encourage all West Virginians to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated,” he added.

It was previously reported that West Virginia first lady Cathy Justice tested negative on Tuesday evening. 

“I deeply appreciate everyone’s prayers and well-wishes for my family and I this week. They mean more to Cathy and I than words can convey, and we will never forget them,” the governor said in a statement.

Justice, 70, said Tuesday he woke up with a cough and congestion and later developed a headache and fever. He said an initial rapid test came back negative, but after continuing to experience symptoms, he took a PCR test that confirmed he had contracted COVID-19.

Which coronavirus variant he is infected with is unclear.

He received a course of monoclonal antibody treatment on Tuesday evening on the recommendation of his physicians, with his age placing him at a higher risk of severe illness, according to the press release issued Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Justice provided a health update and also gave an update on his well-known English bulldog, Babydog. The release said his dog was showing “no signs of illness and maintains her healthy appetite.”

Justice has been a vocal GOP advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations. He has previously launched sweepstakes and asked that residents get immunized for the sake of Babydog.