US: State of West Virginia eases COVID-19 business and gathering restrictions as of Feb. 22 /update 21

Event

Authorities in West Virginia have issued orders to ease gathering and business restrictions statewide as of Feb. 22 due to decreases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. Under the new directives, restaurants, bars, and retail stores may increase their operating capacities and private gatherings of up to 75 people are allowed. Other restrictions remain unchanged. All residents aged nine years and older must wear protective facemasks in all indoor public settings statewide; individuals with certain health conditions are exempt.

Other nonessential businesses and other facilities can continue operating, as long they comply with mandates on social distancing, enhanced sanitation, and the use of personal protective equipment. For details on restrictions applicable to various industries, click here.

West Virginia continues to use a five-tier, color-coded system for assessing risk based on the levels of COVID-19 activity in each county. Risk rankings range from green, indicating the lowest level of COVID-19 activity, to red, signifying the highest infection rates. In counties on the red level, high-school activities should all be conducted online. As of Feb. 22, the country risk-level distribution is as follows:

• Red level: No counties

• Orange level: Berkeley, Cabell, Doddridge, Hampshire, Lincoln, Putnam, Ritchie, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood.

• Gold level: Boone, Brooke, Hardy, Jefferson, Lewis, Logan, Monongalia, Morgan, and Ohio.

The state's remaining 36 counties are at the yellow and green levels.

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. Confirm appointments in advance.

Resources

WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base

West Virginia - Restrictions and Guidelines

West Virginia - COVID-19 Actions

West Virginia - County-Level Map