As we plunge into a relatively “normal” summer, with few masks in sight, almost no restrictions left in place, and a lull since the last announcement of a new variant of COVID-19, it is important to remember the Mountain State has not emerged from the grip of that monster.

In fact, Gov. Jim Justice announced Monday the state has surpassed a grim milestone, with at least 7,001 people dead of the virus since March 2020.

“It’s just hard to fathom,” Justice said. “If you think of all the tough things that we see on the news from time to time over the years, the mine disasters or plane crashes, whatever it may be, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to this.”

Sure, it is tempting to give in to the explanation that yes, death toll numbers increase over time; but the reality is we’re not talking about one or two deaths here and there. More than 1,000 West Virginians have died of the virus since mid-February.

Hospitalizations have increased 75 percent over the past month, going from 124 on May 13 to 217 on Monday; and there are 1,989 reported active COVID-19 cases in the state.

Justice is right to be urging people to get fully vaccinated and boosted. Now is not the time to relax.

“Please don’t sit on the sideline and let this stuff whip around and get you,” he said.

If we want to continue living our “normal” summer, and stay on track for the upcoming school year, we’ve got to protect ourselves.

Get the shot, stay home if you are ill, get tested, and keep us headed in the right direction.