Several weeks ago, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice began scaling-back certain restrictions on public gatherings which had been enforced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. During his Friday, March 5 media-briefing, Justice scaled those restrictions back even further by announcing the removal of capacity-limits on numerous types of businesses and social gatherings.
“Think of it this way, West Virginia,” Justice said. “Imagine that you’re walking through the woods, and 15 feet in front of you there’s a rattlesnake all coiled up. If you just jump backward without looking, you might jump on his buddy, because a lot of times rattlesnakes travel in twos. So really and truly, what you want to do if you have really good sense, is to stand still, because you know the rattlesnake 15 feet away can’t hurt you. Then you can take your time, look around, and decide which way is safest to go.”
Justice went on to say, “That’s what we’re doing. We are removing restrictions and we are slowly deciding which way to go.”
Prior to Friday’s briefing, Justice signed Executive Order 8-21, which, among other things, restores the capacity-limitations for bars and restaurants to 100% of their seating capacity. However, social distancing must still be maintained, and no “standing room only” sections are allowed. Other businesses, such as retail stores, grocery stores, gyms, fitness centers and museums are also permitted to return to 100% capacity.
The governor’s new executive order also increases capacity-limitations on social gatherings from 75-people to 100, and allows youth travel sports to resume in all counties not designated as red on the DHHR’s daily color-coded County Alert System map.
Despite the further loosening of restrictions, West Virginia’s face covering mandate remains in effect.
“We do continue to expect you to wear these masks,” Justice said. “You know, I’m not a fan of the masks either. But at the same time, we know they’ve saved a lot of lives, and we know we’re too early in the game to let our guard down.”
All changes made to West Virginia’s current COVID-19 guidelines will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 6.
The West Virginia Daily News and Virginian Review will provide updates regarding COVID-19 guidelines as additional details are made available.
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