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.