US: Stricter gathering restrictions in all 55 counties in West Virginia due to COVID-19 activity as of Jan. 8 /update 18

Event

As of Jan. 8, authorities in West Virginia have tightened gathering restrictions in all 55 counties in the state due to increases in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity.

West Virginia uses a five-tier, color-coded system for assessing risk based on the levels of COVID-19 activity in each county and implements restrictions accordingly. Risk rankings range from green, indicating the lowest level of COVID-19 activity, to red, signifying the highest infection rates. Authorities prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people in counties under the red, orange, and gold levels and over 25 people in counties under the yellow and green levels. In-person school lessons will resume statewide starting Jan. 19, except for high schools in counties at the red level. As of Jan. 8 there are:

• 41 counties at the red level: Barbour, Berkeley, Boone, Braxton, Brooke, Cabell, Doddridge, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall, Mercer, Mineral, Mingo, Monongalia, Monroe, Morgan, Nicholas, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Raleigh, Ritchie, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood.

• 13 counties at the orange level: Calhoun, Fayette, Kanawha, Lewis, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Putnam, Randolph, Roane, Summers, Tucker, Wyoming.

• 1 county at the gold level: Clay.

Statewide, all indoor and outdoor fairs, festivals, and concerts remain banned. 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 and above, 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, the 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.

Resources

WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
West Virginia - Restrictions and Guidelines
West Virginia - COVID-19 Actions
West Virginia - County-Level Map