US: Stricter gathering restrictions placed on 10 counties in West Virginia, due to COVID-19 activity, as of Dec. 7 /update 16

Event

As of Dec. 7, authorities in West Virginia have tightened restrictions in 10 counties due to increases in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Officials have added Clay, Jackson, Tyler, Kanawha, Marion, Monongalia, Pleasants, Putnam, Roan, and Webster counties to the red, orange, and gold levels in their color-coded system. These counties are now subject to tighter gathering restrictions.

West Virginia uses a five-tier, color-coded system for assessing risk based on the levels of COVID-19 activity in each county and implement restrictions accordingly. Risk rankings range from green, indicating the lowest level of COVID-19 activity, to red, signifying the highest infection rates. In counties under the red, orange, and gold levels, gatherings of more than 10 people are banned; in red- and orange-level counties, schools must suspend in-person lessons and most extracurricular activities. As of Dec. 7 there are:

13 counties at the red level: Barbour, Berkeley, Brooke, Grant, Hampshire, Hancock, Marshall, Mason, Mineral, Wayne, Wirt, Wood, and Wyoming
15 counties at the orange level: Boone, Cabell, Clay, Hardy, Jackson, Jefferson, Mingo, Nicolas, Ohio, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Ritchie, Tyler, and Wetzel
11 counties at the gold level: Calhoun, Doddridge, Fayette, Harrison, Kanawha, Marion, Monongalia, Pleasants, Putnam, Roan and Webster

The remaining 16 counties are at yellow and green levels.

All indoor and outdoor fairs, festivals, and concerts remain banned in the state; social gatherings of more than 25 people in counties at the yellow and green levels are prohibited. Outdoor live music performances may occur at 25-percent of the venue's capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. This limit does not apply to businesses or certain events such as religious ceremonies, weddings, or conferences. All residents age nine or older, except those with health issues, must wear a protective facemask in all indoor public settings statewide.

Most nonessential businesses and other facilities, including casinos, movie theaters, bars, restaurants, barbershops, hair salons, gyms, and amusement parks, can operate. All establishments that reopen must comply with certain mandates to prevent further spread of the virus, including directives on enhanced sanitization procedures, use of personal protective equipment, and social-distancing guidelines. All residents - especially senior citizens and persons with compromised immune systems - are still encouraged to remain home to the extent possible.

Authorities could reimpose, tighten, or otherwise amend restrictions over the coming weeks, should any spike in disease activity occur.

Advice

Heed the directives of the authorities. Continue to emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.