The Legal Brief
WV Governor Issues Additional Orders for Specific Counties
April 5, 2020
This weekend, Governor Justice of West Virginia issued two Executive Orders directing additional measures to protect the health and safety of citizens in several counties considered “hot spots” for COVID-19 virus spread. On Friday, April 3, 2020, he issued an order affecting Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties, announcing that 38% of the COVID-19 positive cases are in the three counties. On Saturday, April 4, at 9:45 p.m., he expanded the order to Monongalia, Harrison, and Kanawha counties. The orders provide broad authority to local health departments and set forth several provisions:
- Limiting groups engaging in outdoor activity to a maximum of 5 people maintaining social distance of six feet.
- Directing ALL businesses to require employees to work from home to the maximum extent possible.
- Directing Local Health Departments to establish the maximum occupancy of and proper social distance within essential businesses and taking action to enforce these health regulations.
- Directing the West Virginia National Guard to provide logistical support and services to assist county agencies.
- Directing the West Virginia State Police to assist with enforcement of local county orders.
Here are links to the actual orders or press releases:
Press Release for April 4 Order for Monongalia, Harrison, and Kanawha counties
Note: the actual order will be available when posted with the Secretary of State
Press Release for April 3 Order for Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties
April 3, 2020 Executive Order No. 20-20 (Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties)
Jackson Kelly continues to monitor and report on developments related to the COVOID-19 virus.