CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says he has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia.
“I am currently quarantining at home, where I am receiving breathing and medical treatments," he said in a December 7 statement, noting he was diagnosed last week. “I am feeling better today, and as such I am busy working from home.
"Make no mistake about it, this can be a nasty virus, especially for those who are elderly or may be immunocompromised."
Morrisey, 52, asked West Virginians to "keep the faith." He is one of almost 20,000 active COVID-19 cases in the state. As of December 7, more than 56,000 West Virginians have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus, and 841 residents have died from the virus.
"As your attorney general, I’m excited to continue fighting to protect our jobs, to keep our people safe and to uphold our constitutional rights," he said. "I hope to be back in the office in the very near future.”
Last month, Republicans Morrisey and Gov. Jim Justice had a public disagreement regarding the governor's November 13 updated mask mandate that requires citizens to wear a face covering in all public building at all times whether or not social distancing can be observed. Justice also said violators would be open to criminal charges.
In a social media post, Morrisey reminded citizens the governor's office does not “have the right to legislate or deem criminal charges on people.” Later, the governor’s office issued a statement saying he was “saddened” by Morrisey’s post.
