West Virginia's Response to COVID-19

1/30/2020 Gov. Justice steps up state-level awareness of outbreak; the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) begins including COVID-19 information in its daily morning brief to state, county and local emergency officials.

2/25/2020 At Gov. Justice’s direction, DHSEM launches COVID-19 resource page for county and local emergency management agencies and first responders.

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​ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESOURCES

CORONAVIRUS.WV.GOV

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2/26/2020 Gov. Justice urges the DHHR to prepare for potential spread of COVID-19.

2/27/2020 At Gov. Justice’s direction, DHHR launches coronavirus.wv.gov to keep the public and the media informed.

3/2/2020 Gov. Justice and DHHR Secretary Crouch participate in national call briefing.

3/4/2020 Gov. Justice meets with administration leaders, provides a briefing to the media.

3/4/2020 Gov Justice issues a State of Preparedness Proclamation.

 

3/7/2020 Gov. Justice and DHHR announce that COVID-19 testing can be done at the in-state lab.

3/9/2020 Gov. Justice participates in national call briefing with Vice President Mike Pence.

3/9/2020 Gov. Justice announces creation of toll-free information helpline (800 887-4304).

 

3/11/2020 Gov. Justice administration begins daily weekday press briefings.

 

3/12/2020 Gov. Justice restricts visitation​ to all West Virginia nursing homes.

3/12/2020 Gov. Justice announces state employee travel ban and basketball tournament cancellation.

 

3/13/2020 Gov. Justice directs WVNG to provide support; announces closure of West Virginia schools.

3/14/2020 Gov. Justice and WVDE issue updated guidance on school closures.

3/15/2020 Gov. Justice and Superintendent Clayton Burch announce 500 sites to feed children.

3/16/2020 Gov. Justice attends video conference call with President Donald J. Trump.

 

3/16/2020 Gov. Justice declares State of Emergency in West Virginia.

 

3/17/2020 Gov. Justice announces state’s first positive case of COVID-19.

3/17/2020 Gov. Justice announces closure of all restaurants and bars.

3/17/2020 Gov. Justice updates services provided by WV Bureau of Senior Services.

 

3/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces closure of gyms and recreation facilities.

 

3/18/2020 Gov. Justice requests WV ABCA temporarily suspends regulatory rule prohibiting bars and restaurants from providing beer and wine for off-premises consumption.

 

3/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces closure of regional DMV offices.

 

3/18/2020 Gov. Justice calls President Trump and secures his support.

 

3/18/2020 Gov. Justice orders cabinet secretaries to determine non-essential state employees that can work from home.

 

3/18/2020 Gov. Justice halts tours and non-business visits at the Capitol Complex.

 

3/18/2020 Gov. Justice and DHHR announce second confirmed case of COVID-19.

 

3/19/2020 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order providing unemployment benefits.

 

3/19/2020 Gov. Justice orders closure of barbershops, hair salons, and nail salons.

3/19/2020 Gov. Justice tests negative for COVID-19.

 

3/19/2020 Gov. Justice announces state purchase of 100,000 N95 surgical masks and 275 sets of highly protective suits.

 

3/19/2020 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order giving counties the flexibility to evaluate courthouse services.

 

3/19/2020 Gov. Justice announces additional positive COVID-19 test results.

3/20/2020 Gov. Justice orders closure of State Park Lodges, Hatfield McCoy Trail.

 

3/20/2020 Gov. Justice calls for increased blood donations.

 

3/20/2020 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order suspending several statutory regulations.

 

3/20/2020 Gov. Justice works with WV Tourism Office to launch interactive map of open restaurants.

 

3/21/2020 Gov. Justice holds statewide address urging West Virginians to follow guidelines.

 

3/23/2020 Gov. Justice issues Stay at Home Order for West Virginians.

         

3/23/2020 Gov. Justice announces Statewide Day of Prayer for March 25, 2020.

 

3/23/2020 Gov. Justice announces first community spread case of COVID-19.

 

3/23/2020 Gov. Justice announces work with WV National Guard and Department of Education to feed students.

 

3/23/2020 Gov. Justice announces closure of park cabins, restrooms.

 

3/23/2020 Gov. Justice orders additional suspension of several additional statutory regulations.

3/24/2020 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia facility to produce hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets.to potentially treat COVID-19.

3/24/2020 At direction of Gov. Justice, WV National Guard creates consolidated supply center with DHHR and DHSEM, to help ensure equipment needs between healthcare workers and emergency responders are being met.

3/24/2020 Gov. Justice issues proclamation declaring March 25 as Day of Prayer.

3/24/2020 Gov. Justice directed Workforce West Virginia and the WV Department of Commerce to step up assistance with new unemployment claims.

3/25/2020 Gov. Justice and religious leaders hold statewide Day of Prayer service.

3/25/2020 Gov. Justice helps lead AARP-WV tele-Town Hall with more than 5,000 attendees.

3/25/2020 Gov. Justice directs that the ongoing closure of all schools statewide be extended for at least three-and-a-half more weeks.

3/25/2020 Gov Justice announces he is waiving all interest and penalties on property tax filings until Friday, May 1, and calls for extending West Virginia income tax filing and payment deadline until Wednesday, July 15.

3/26/2020 Gov Justice names Dr. Clay Marsh, Vice President and Executive Dean for Health Sciences at WVU, as West Virginia’s COVID-19/Coronavirus Czar.

3/26/2020 Gov. Justice extends free fishing days for another month, to April 24.

3/26/2020 Gov. Justice speaks directly with President Trump during teleconference about medical supplies and federal assistance for West Virginia.

3/26/2020 Gov. Justice announces a month of free fishing, extending the license waiver until April 24.

3/26/2020 Gov Justice signs Executive Order suspending statutory provisions regulating the dates by which taxes must be paid and filed.

3/27/2020 Gov. Justice orders State Emergency Operations Center to full activation.

3/27/2020 Gov. Justice and the W.Va. Department of Environmental Protection announce that DEP continues to enforce all applicable rules and regulations amid COVID-19 pandemic.

3/29/2020 Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice issue statement after learning of first West Virginians to pass away from COVID-19.

3/30/2020 Gov. Justice again speaks with President Donald J. Trump during a COVID-19 teleconference.

3/30/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order closing State Park campgrounds and requiring out-of-state residents from areas with substantial community spread to self-quarantine while in West Virginia, for 14 days, unless conducting essential business or activities.

3/31/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order closing all private campgrounds to new out-of-state arrivals.

3/31/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order prohibiting elective medical procedures.

3/31/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order suspending additional health regulations identified as preventing the state from best coping with the emergency.

4/1/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order moving the primary election to June 9.

4/1/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order suspending regulations relating to tax deadlines and methods of payment.

4/2/2020 Gov. Justice and the W.Va. Department of Education announce new TV programming to aid the remote education of school children.

4/3/2020 Gov. Justice and state health leaders announce the first community cluster of COVID-19, in the state’s Eastern Panhandle.

4/3/2020 Gov. Justice and W.Va. Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch announce that through the state Dept. of Education and county schools, 1 million meals have been provided to West Virginia children.

4/3/2020 Gov. Justice directs additional resources to WorkForce WV to assist with the processing of unemployment claims.

4/3/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order expanding the March 23 Stay at Home order in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, adding provisions and granting broad authority to their local health departments.

4/3/2020 President Donald J. Trump grants Gov. Justice’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for West Virginia.

4/3/2020 Gov. Justice and the W.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources provide additional guidance for hotels, motels and other lodging.

4/4/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order expanding the March 23 Stay at Home order in Harrison, Kanawha and Monongalia counties, adding provisions and granting broad authority to their local health departments.

4/4/2020 Gov. Justice and the W.Va. National Guard provide an update on the National Guard’s ongoing and considerable support of West Virginia’s COVID-19 response. Nearly 460 WVNG personnel are involved, up from the initial deployment of around 60 members on March 23.

4/6/2020 Gov. Justice reports that Workforce West Virginia, with assistance from the West Virginia National Guard, is now operating their call center 24/7 with additional personnel at various locations so that the phone calls and backlog of claims are being addressed.

4/6/2020 At the direction of Gov. Justice, the WV DHHR unveils its improved coronavirus information dashboard to keep the public updated with accurate data.

4/6/2020 Alongside Gov. Justice, COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh indicates that new modeling being done by the University of Washington shows that the surge in West Virginia, once projected at around May 4 is now April 15 and that the number of projected deaths has changed from 500 to between 150-170.

4/7/2020 Gov. Justice updates progress of Workforce West Virginia officials regarding unemployment claims, with 28,500 claims being processed in one day and with Workforce prepared to begin distributing the additional $600 in federal unemployment compensation provided by the Cares Act.

4/7/2020 Gov. Justice updates public on testing numbers, announcing that, per capita, West Virginia is on pace with the national testing rate, with a much lower rate of positive tests.

4/7/2020 Gov. Justice reports that four patients and one employee have tested positive at Eastbrook Center Nursing Home in Charleston for COVID-19 with 69 testing negative and 52 other tests still pending.

4/7/2020 Alongside Gov. Justice, COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh announces that officials are continuing to look at all contingencies and are preparing to handle patients in the state that need hospitalization for treatment of the coronavirus while making sure healthcare workers are outfitted with the appropriate protective gear.

4/7/2020 At the direction of Gov. Justice, WV DHHR officials announce that St. Francis Hospital in Charleston is being prepared as a “surge hospital” if needed for COVID-19 patients.

4/8/2020 Gov. Jim Justice issues an executive order on Wednesday to include Marion County, along with six other West Virginia counties, as designated areas where local Health Department officials have broader powers to tighten restrictions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 across the state.

4/8/2020 Gov. Justice encourages citizens to consider helping youths in foster care.

4/8/2020 Gov. Justice announced that Optum, a division of UnitedHealth (our PEIA benefits manager), is now offering an Emotional Support helpline that is available to all West Virginians who may be experiencing anxiety or stress due to the COVID-19 crisis.

4/8/2020 Gov. Justice announces that schools and career technical education centers are assisting in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic by donating more than 65,000 protective items to healthcare workers and first responders.

4/9/2020 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order mandating that all private and public golf courses take additional steps to ensure proper social distancing, permitting municipalities to delay local elections, and more.

4/9/2020 Gov. Justice urges all West Virginians to be aware of scam callers​ posing as members of the state Tax Department or IRS to take advantage of people during the pandemic.

4/9/2020 Gov. Justice and state health leaders unveil updates to the DHHR’s online COVID-19 dashboard, including expanded data and new information on patients who have tested positive. The Governor also announced that the dashboard will now be updated twice daily.

4/10/2020 Gov. Justice announces each of West Virginia’s 55 counties will receive a $100,000 grant to utilize at their discretion to reward “hero pay” for the various front line personnel and first responders involved in the fight against COVID-19.

4/10/2020 Gov. Justice announces grant funding will also be given to the West Virginia National Guard to issue $500 to each member that has been activated to serve during the pandemic.

4/10/2020 Gov. Justice writes a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting the authority to use some of the $1.25 billion in funding from the federal CARES Act to put toward emergency responders and essential workers in West Virginia.

4/10/2020 Gov. Justice announces​ that 24 staff members from the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, five State Troopers, and 60 additional temporary employees are being hired to assist WorkForce West Virginia and the West Virginia National Guard in continuing to handle the massive number of unemployment claims that have been filed as a result of COVID-19.

4/10/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order​ to add Cabell, Wayne, Wood, and Ohio counties to the list of designated areas where local Health Department officials have broader powers to tighten restrictions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 across the state.

4/10/2020 Gov. Justice reassures residents of north central West Virginia that West Virginia University continues to move forward in the process of repurposing Fairmont Regional Medical Center, with plans to reopen as soon as possible.

4/10/2020 Gov. Justice announces that after receiving a letter from the West Virginia Healthcare Association, asking for access to more personal protective equipment (PPE), that the West Virginia National Guard and other State entities will be reaching out to see what level of assistance is possible to provide.

4/13/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order​ to add Jackson County to the list of designated areas where local Health Department officials have broader powers to tighten restrictions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 across the state.

4/13/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he has directed the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to issue a one-time, $500 payment to current recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as WV WORKS, as part of the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19.

4/13/2020 Gov. Justice announces​ that the West Virginia National Guard has put together a mobile sanitizing trailer that can be deployed across the state to sanitize N-95 masks using FDA approved hydrogen peroxide vapors. This method can sanitize N-95 masks up to 20 times and we are able to process 1,500 masks every three hours.

4/13/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the West Virginia Division of Highways has set guidelines allowing for food trucks at rest areas as a temporary measure to ease the burden on truck drivers during the ongoing pandemic.

4/13/2020 Gov. Justice signs an Executive Order at the request of the West Virginia Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology that gives the board discretion to waive the five-day limitation on out-of-state licensees practicing speech-language pathology and audiology in West Virginia. 

4/14/2020 Gov. Justice reports another update on the number of COVID-19 cases in the state, saying that West Virginians’ commitment to practicing good social distancing and staying home has the state “trending in a great way.”

4/14/2020 Gov. Justice announces that a multi-agency State program to feed children during the ongoing statewide school shutdown now has the capacity​ to provide students 1 million meals per week. 

4/14/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the West Virginia National Guard and Department of Health and Human Resources are working closely with the Wayne County Health Department in efforts to assist in handling a recent surge in coronavirus cases at a local nursing home.

4/15/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he has begun discussions with medical experts and other officials about transitioning into the next phase of the State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

4/15/2020 Gov. Justice announces that checks, valued at $100,000 each​, went out to all 55 counties across West Virginia to allow for men and women on the front lines fighting the spread of COVID-19 to receive “Hero Pay” for their service to the state.

4/15/2020 Gov. Justice announces that 5,211 loans, totaling $1.05 billion, have been approved for small businesses across West Virginia from President Trump’s Paycheck Protection Program.

4/15/2020 Gov. Justice clarifies that the State Holiday that typically accompanies West Virginia’s Primary Election Day has been moved to match the new primary date of June 9, 2020.

4/15/2020 Gov. Justice directs leaders with the WV DHHR and the West Virginia National Guard to address inconsistencies in the ways that the State has been collecting data on COVID-19 cases.

4/16/2020 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia has received $625 million in funding from the federal government to assist the State in its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

4/16/2020 Gov. Justice participates in a videoconference with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and all governors across America to discuss the President's plan for "Opening Up America Again."

4/16/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he has directed the WV DHHR to immediately send out $69 million in directed payment program checks to hospitals across the state.

4/17/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order, directing the WV DHHR and the West Virginia National Guard to test every nursing home resident and staff member statewide, becoming the first state to do so.

4/17/2020 Gov. Justice directs the DHHR to file an order requiring all laboratories across West Virginia to provide immediate, real-time electronic reports of both positive and negative COVID-19 tests to the DHHR and to their respective local health departments.

4/17/2020 Gov. Justice offers his support to President Donald J. Trump and his three-phased plan of Opening Up America Again.

4/20/2020 At Gov. Justice's direction, West Virginia becomes first state in nation to begin testing all nursing home residents and staff for COVID-19​.

4/20/2020 Gov. Justice takes part in another conference call with Vice President Mike Pence, members of the Coronavirus Task Force, and other governors across America to update the White House on how various states are progressing in their COVID-19 response efforts.

4/20/2020 Gov. Justice and leaders with WorkForce West Virginia update the public on the progress that’s been made processing unemployment claims and also discuss a new opportunity for self-employed workers to receive additional benefits through the State.

4/21/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order outlining the process for hospitals to resume elective medical procedures.

4/21/2020 Gov. Justice announces that all pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools in West Virginia will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year.

4/21/2020 At the direction of Gov. Justice, the West Virginia Department of Education unveils a new Graduation Task Force to address issues surrounding high school graduation and creating a smooth transition for graduates moving toward the next phases of their lives.

4/21/2020 Gov. Justice announces​ that West Virginia has now passed all of its bordering states and the U.S. national average in terms of the percentage of the overall population that has been tested for COVID-19.

4/21/2020 Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources announce a free smartphone app to reduce isolation and offer support resources to West Virginians with Substance Use Disorder.

4/22/2020 Gov. Justice announces​ a recent study has ranked West Virginia as the #1 state in the nation for carrying out the best response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

4/22/2020 Gov. Justice announces that recent testing of 120 people at the veterans nursing home in Barboursville resulted in just one positive case. The proactive testing allowed officials to move quickly in efforts to limit the spread.

4/22/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the West Virginia National Guard – the first National Guard in the country to be approved by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide mobile testing for COVID-19 –​ has activated two COVID-19 mobile testing laboratories.

4/23/2020 Gov. Justice announces that Workforce West Virginia, with assistance from the West Virginia National Guard, were able to successfully clear a backlog of more than 150,000 unemployment claims that had been submitted since March 1 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

4/23/2020 At the direction of Gov. Justice, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health files two orders to implement additional measures regarding the reporting and publishing of COVID-19 data.

4/24/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order​, removing Morgan County from the list of COVID-19 community clusters in West Virginia, as the area has seen a low number of active cases of COVID-19.

4/24/2020 At the direction of Gov. Justice, WorkForce West Virginia begins offering applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – an option for additional assistance benefitting workers who would otherwise not be eligible for unemployment compensation.

4/24/2020 Gov. Justice takes part in another conference call with Vice President Mike Pence, members of the Coronavirus Task Force, and other governors across America to update the White House on how West Virginia is progressing with COVID-19 response efforts.

4/24/2020 Gov. Justice writes a letter to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, urging the director to reconsider a decision to transfer out-of-state inmates to their Hazelton facility in Preston County and to their facility in Gilmer County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

4/27/2020 Gov. Justice unveils “West Virginia Strong – The Comeback” – his multi-phased, comprehensive plan to reopen various aspects of the state and its economy, putting West Virginia on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

4/27/2020 Gov. Justice signs an Executive Order allowing health care providers to resume all operations and procedures including elective procedures under the guidelines established in the Governor’s reopening plan.

4/27/2020 With the support of Gov. Justice, the West Virginia National Guard and WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics join forces to develop data systems to forecast and track the availability, procurement, distribution, and shortfalls of medical supplies throughout West Virginia.

4/28/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of small businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

4/28/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of restaurants with takeaway service or outdoor dining options.

4/28/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of religious entities and funeral homes.

4/28/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia University School of Public Health are teaming up to offer an online course, training public health investigators how to perform contact tracing for COVID-19.

4/28/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has secured access to one of only 25 high-capacity dec​ontamination systems for PPE in the U.S., by working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Virginia.

4/28/2020 Gov. Justice signs Executive Order suspending several regulatory statute provisions to provide more flexibility to dentists and speech-language pathologists across West Virginia as the State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

4/29/2020 Gov. Justice announces that his plan to reopen the state, West Virginia Strong – The Comeback, is officially underway, with the Week 1 phase of reopenings set to begin the following day.

4/30/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he will soon lift the “Stay At Home” order​ imposed statewide last month, replacing it with a “Safer At Home” order.

4/30/2020 Gov. Justice announces that entities included in the Week 1 phase of his reopening plan are now permitted to resume services, provided that they follow all additional safety guidelines issued by the State.

4/30/2020 Gov. Justice announces that horse racing will be able to resume, without spectators, on Thursday, May 14.

4/30/2020 At the leadership of Gov. Justice, the West Virginia DHHR's Bureau for Children and Families announces that it is issuing a one-time Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) supplemental payment of $100 to both LIEAP participants and heating source vendors.

4/30/2020 In coordination with Gov. Justice, the West Virginia Department of Education announces that they will hold an SAT School Day this fall, administering the SAT exam for students who will be seniors in the 2020-21 school year.

5/1/2020 Gov. Justice congratulates the West Virginia State Police and DHHR​ for delivering medications from the United States Strategic National Stockpile to hospitals across the state.

5/3/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he has issued an Executive Order removing Jackson, Kanawha, and Ohio counties from the list of COVID-19 community clusters or “hotspots” in West Virginia.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice announces that entities included in the Week 2 phase of his reopening plan are now permitted to resume services, provided that they follow all additional safety guidelines issued by the State.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice announces the businesses and entities that will be permitted to resume operations in the Week 3 phase of his reopening plan.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of​ wellness centers operated with or by West Virginia Licensed Health Care providers

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of drive-in movie theaters​.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice announces that his "Safer At Home" order has officially taken effect, replacing the original "Stay At Home" order issued in April.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he has issued an Executive Order, removing Cabell, Wayne, and Wood counties from the list of COVID-19 community clusters or “hotspots” in West Virginia.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved West Virginia’s application for Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) cards to support child nutrition needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia’s statewide rate of COVID-19 transmission – also known as R0 – reached the lowest rate of any state in the country over the weekend.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice and DHHR Secretary Bill Crouch announce a $20-per-day increase for all nursing homes across the state.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice announces that WorkForce West Virginia will begin paying Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits on Friday, May 8.

5/4/2020 Gov. Justice directs the Division of Natural Resources to extend Free Fishing Days in West Virginia through the end May.

5/5/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in West Virginia now significantly exceeds the number of active cases in the state.

5/5/2020 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginians who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits are eligible for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation – a 13-week extension on unemployment benefits provided by the federal CARES Act.

5/6/2020 Gov. Justice issues an Executive Order, directing the DHHR and the West Virginia National Guard to test all daycare employees, as well as all residents and staff members at assisted living facilities and residential care communities throughout the state for COVID-19.

5/6/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he has directed targeted testing to begin in several African American communities in West Virginia through the newly-established COVID-19 Advisory Commission on African American Disparities.

5/6/2020 Gov. Justice issues proclamation designating May 6, 2020, as Nurses Day in West Virginia in honor of those who have put their lives on the line to help in the fight against COVID-19.

5/6/2020 Gov. Justice issues proclamation designating May 6, 2020, as National Interpreter Appreciation Day in West Virginia, taking time to thank the two sign language interpreters who have been a part of the Governor's daily media briefings throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/7/2020 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia has become the first state in the nation to require all-inclusive assisted living facility testing statewide.

5/7/2020 Gov. Justice observes the 2020 National Day of Prayer, praying for the safety of frontline workers and for the health and well-being of all West Virginians.

5/7/2020 Under the direction of Gov. Justice, the West Virginia National Guard provides a training session on the proper use of personal protective equipment to members of the West Virginia Division of Highways.

5/8/2020 Gov. Justice announces that as part of his statewide reopening plan, West Virginia Strong – The Comeback, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System will be permitted to open, with limitations, on Thursday, May 21, 2020.

5/8/2020 Gov. Justice officially signs and files the Executive Order that will allow businesses in the “Week 3” phase of his reopening plan to resume operations if they so choose.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice announces that entities included in the Week 3 phase of his reopening plan are now permitted to resume services, provided that they follow all additional safety guidelines issued by the State.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice announces the businesses and entities that will be permitted to resume operations in the Week 4 phase of his reopening plan.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of​ indoor dining at restaurants.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of​ large/specialty retail stores.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the use of campgrounds throughout the state.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the reopening of​ outdoor recreation rental outfitters.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice provides additional guidelines for the operation of hotels, motels, condo hotels, rental properties, and cabins, with the executive order requiring out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine currently scheduled to be lifted during Week 4.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice announces that, in addition to the reopening of campgrounds at West Virginia state parks to in-state residents, some public restrooms will also be reopened with proper sanitization protocols in place.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice announces that outdoor guided fishing will be permitted to resume on Friday, May 15, under strict limitations, including that the maximum capacity for any boat be no more than two anglers and one guide.​

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice announces that state park cabins and lodges will be permitted to reopen to in-state residents on Tuesday, May 26.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice announces that certain outdoor, low-contact youth sports activities will be permitted to resume on Monday, June 8.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice announces that progress is being made toward setting guidelines and scheduling a date for the reopening of whitewater rafting operations in West Virginia.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice takes time to thank all of the correctional officers across West Virginia, in honor of National Correctional Officers Week.

5/11/2020 Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Air National Guard announce that their airlift wings in Charleston and Martinsburg will honor front line COVID-19 healthcare and first responders with a flyover of hospitals in the region on Wednesday, May 13.

5/12/2020 Gov. Justice visits a State warehouse facility that is currently being established as a regional food distribution center.

5/12/2020 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia medical experts are closely following new reports of nearly 100 children in New York City who have experienced multi-system inflammatory symptoms that health officials believe may be linked to COVID-19 and will continue to monitor the situation as reopening dates approach. Gov. Justice reminds public that all reopening timelines, such as a tentative date of June 8 for low-contact outdoor youth sports, are subject to change depending on how circumstances develop.

5/13/2020 Gov. Justice announces that tanning businesses have been added to the list of entities that will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Thursday, May 21.

5/13/2020 Gov. Justice announces that he has signed a proclamation, officially declaring this week as National Skilled Nursing Care Week in West Virginia, in honor of the more than 15,000 West Virginians who work in nursing homes across the state.

5/14/2020 Gov. Justice announces that fitness centers, gymnasiums, and recreation centers have been added to the list of entities that will be allowed to resume operations, with limitations, on Monday, May 18.

5/14/2020 Gov. Justice announces that whitewater rafting and ziplining businesses will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Thursday, May 21.

5/14/2020 Gov. Justice announces that outdoor guided rock climbing businesses will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Friday, May 15.

5/14/2020 Gov. Justice announces increased COVID-19 testing opportunities for minorities and other vulnerable populations across West Virginia, scheduling testing dates in Berkeley, Jefferson, Mercer, and Raleigh counties.

5/14/2020 At the direction of Gov. Justice, State Health Officer and Bureau for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Cathy Slemp unveils a new methodology that will be used by the DHHR moving forward to more quickly identify areas in West Virginia that may be experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases.

5/14/2020 Gov. Justice announces that Exxon has donated 2,400 gallons of medical-grade hand sanitizer to assist West Virginia in its statewide COVID-19 response efforts.

5/15/2020 Gov. Justice announces that several more recreational activities, including gymnastics, dance, cheerleading, and martial arts, will be among those allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Monday, May 18.

5/15/2020 Gov. Justice issues executive order formalizing all of the reopenings scheduled for Monday, May 18. 

5/15/2020 Gov. Justice unveils a new web portal for city and county government officials across West Virginia to apply for grant funding through the federal CARES Act.

5/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces that indoor shopping malls will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Thursday, May 21.

5/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces that indoor bars, museums and visitor centers, as well as zoos will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Tuesday, May 26.

5/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces that​ spas and massage businesses will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Saturday, May 30.

5/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces that​ limited video lottery retailers will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Saturday, May 30. Guidance documents will be provided when available.

5/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces that​ casinos will be allowed to reopen, with limitations, on Friday, June 5. Guidance documents will be provided when available.

5/18/2020 Gov. Justice announces that, with the DHHR putting its new “High Alert Status” system in place, all counties that were still remaining on the list of community hotspots – Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Jefferson, and Berkeley counties – have now been removed from the list by executive order.

5/19/2020 Gov. Justice issues executive order formalizing all of the reopenings scheduled for Thursday, May 21.

5/19/2020 Gov. Justice and WV DMAPS officials announce that, for the first time, an inmate at one of West Virginia’s correctional facilities has tested positive for COVID-19.

5/19/2020 Gov. Justice announces that the State of West Virginia has received a shipment of the drug Remdesivir from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. 

5/19/2020 Gov. Justice offers thanks to local health departments and local health officers across West Virginia for their brave and important work throughout the pandemic.

5/20/2020 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia State Parks​ will soon offer a 30 percent discount on lodging for all West Virginia residents. The offer is called the WVSTRONG Discount and applies to stays at all state parks from June 1 through August 31.

5/20/2020 Gov. Justice announces increased COVID-19 testing opportunities for minorities and other vulnerable populations across West Virginia, scheduling testing dates in Cabell, Kanawha, Marion, and Monongalia counties.

5/20/2020 At the direction of Gov. Justice, and in coordination with the DHHR, soldiers with the West Virginia National Guard begin COVID-19 testing at Huttonsville Correctional Center.

5/21/20 Gov. Justice announces reopening dates for swimming pools, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and other places with indoor amusement.

 

5/21/20 Gov. Justice orders WVNG to travel to Berkeley and Jefferson counties after new Heightened Alert System is activated.

 

5/21/20 Gov. Justice asks WVDE to look into safe graduation options for seniors across the state.

 

5/22/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order formally allowing certain businesses to reopen on May 26.

 

5/22/20 Gov. Justice releases new guidance documents for Week 5 and Week 6 phases of the reopening.

 

5/22/20 Gov. Justice and DHHR update COVID-19 data dashboard to include county-by-county level, among other changes.

 

5/26/20 Gov. Justice reports that testing of all inmates and staff at Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail has been completed

 

5/27/20 Gov. Justice orders all inmates and employees at every corrections facility across West Virginia to be tested for COVID-19

 

5/29/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order allowing May 30 reopenings including spas and massage businesses, limited video lottery retailers, swimming pools, and bowling alleys, pool halls, roller rinks, and other places with indoor amusement.

 

5/29/20 Gov. Justice announces WVSSAC athletics programs and bands allowed to resume summer training on June 8.

 

5/29/20 Gov. Justice announces low-contact youth sports and little league organizations permitted to resume practices on June 8.

 

5/29/20 Gov. Justice releases guidance documents for the reopening of movie theaters.

 

6/2/20 Gov. Justice helps West Virginia set national standard for nursing home testing.

6/3/20 Gov. Justice announces reopening of campgrounds to out-of-state visitors will begin June 10.

6/3/20 Gov. Justice releases guidance documents for the resumption of low-contact sports and reopening of bingo halls.

6/4/20 Gov. Justice announces fairs and festivals are permitted to resume on July 1.

6/4/20 Gov. Justice announces that public gatherings are allowed to increase from 25 to 100 people beginning June 5.

6/4/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order officially allowing the reopening of casinos and movie theaters on June 5.

6/5/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order officially allowing some athletic practices to resume June 8. 

6/8/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order allowing businesses scheduled for June 10 to reopen. 

6/8/20 Gov. Justice announces summer youth camps allowed to resume on June 22.

6/8/20 Gov. Justice announces open-air concerts allowed to resume at fairs and festivals only on July 1.

6/8/20 Gov. Justice celebrates goodness of West Virginia on call with Governors, Vice President Mike Pence. 

6/10/20 Gov. Justice releases multi-phased plan to resume visitation at West Virginia’s nursing homes beginning June 17.

6/10/20 Gov. Justice announces release of WVDE’s guidelines on safe in-person graduation ceremonies.

6/10/20 Gov. Justice releases safety guidelines for reopening youth summer camps.

6/11/20 Gov. Justice releases safety guidelines for the reopening of government office buildings.

6/12/20 Gov. Justice announces testing of all prisons and jails complete.

6/15/20 Gov. Justice oversees that $6.3 million in CARES Act grant funding released to counties and cities.

6/15/20 Gov. Justice announces Week 8 of The Comeback begins in West Virginia.

6/17/20 Gov. Justice urges churchgoers to follow safety guidelines after sixth church reports COVID-19 outbreak. 

6/17/20 Gov. Justice announces Workforce West Virginia reported that the state’s unemployment rate is better than the national average.

6/17/20 Gov. Justice announces that CARES Act recipients are now listed on a transparency web portal with the help of the State Auditor Office. 

6/19/20 Gov. Justice signs an executive order allowing in-person graduations and low-contact outdoor sports to resume June 22. 

6/19/20 Gov. Justice urges caution to West Virginians traveling to Myrtle Beach for vacation. 

6/22/20 Gov. Justice reminds West Virginians of the beginning of Week 9 of The Comeback.

6/22/20 Gov. Justice urges Myrtle Beach visitors returning to West Virginia be get tested. 

6/22/20 Gov. Justice works with WV DHHR to release vacation travel guidance for West Virginians.

6/22/20 Gov. Justice announces one-time payment through DHHR for foster care families for COVID-19 response. 

6/24/20 Gov. Justice announces that Workforce WV has reported unemployment decreases in all 55 counties.

6/26/20 Gov. Justice and WV Revenue officials announce expected revenue surplus despite COVID-19 pandemic effects on budget.

6/26/20 Gov. Justice announces proposed plan to distribute federal CARES Act funding. 

6/29/20 Gov. Justice urges West Virginians to wear a mask and follow safety guidelines. 

6/29/20 Gov. Justice participates in a call with White House, Vice President Mike Pence.

6/29/20 Gov. Justice announces all staff members at state’s veterans home were tested for COVID-19.

6/29/20 Gov. Justice announces federal CARES Act distribution up to $17.1 million in West Virginia.

7/1/20 Gov. Justice announces historic revenue surplus for West Virginia despite the economic effects of COVID-19.

7/1/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order allowing reopening of fairs, festivals, amusement parks, rides, and outdoor open-air concerts.

7/1/20 Gov. Justice announces Workforce WV surpasses $1 billion distributed in unemployment benefits.

7/2/20 Gov. Justice announces $28 million distributed in CARES Act funding for West Virginia.

7/6/20 Gov. Justice issues executive order establishing statewide indoor face covering requirement​ for all public places where social distancing cannot be properly maintained.

7/8/20 Gov. Justice and state education leaders move school start date to Sept. 8.

7/10/20 Gov. Justice and WVSSAC Executive Director discuss plan for high school sports.

7/10/20 Gov. Justice appoints Dr. Ayne Amjad, M.D., M.P.H., as new State Health Officer.

7/10/20 Gov. Justice makes adjustments to CARES Act distribution.

7/10/20 Gov. Justice urges extra caution in Monongalia County after an increase in cases.

7/13/20 Gov. Justice signs Executive Order​ reducing statewide social gathering limit to 25 individuals; and closing all fairs, festivals, and concerts due to COVID-19 spike.

7/13/20 Gov. Justice signs Executive Order closing all bars in Monongalia County for 10 days.

7/13/20 Gov. Justice announces additional unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19.

7/15/20 Gov. Justice makes applications available for West Virginia CARES Act Small Business Grant Program.

7/15/20 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia once again sets national example.

7/15/20 Gov. Justice announces that more than 13 million meals have been provided to West Virginia children since March.

7/17/20 Gov. Justice, Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh address misconceptions about COVID-19.

7/20/20 Gov. Justice reports active church outbreaks in seven counties.

7/20/20 Gov. Justice reports $94 million of federal COVID-19 relief funding has gone to Pre-K-12 schools.

7/21/20 Gov. Justice hosts West Virginia’s college and university presidents for virtual meeting to discuss reopening plans.

7/22/20 Gov. Justice provides more than $4.1 million to help volunteer firefighters.

7/22/20 Gov. Justice announces modest improvement in COVID-19 case numbers since his face covering requirement went into effect; urges continued caution in days ahead.

7/22/20 Gov. Justice announces ​state park reservations up 227 percent in midst of WVSTRONG discount.

7/22/20 Gov. Justice reports active church outbreaks in eight counties.​

7/23/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order extending the closure of Monongalia County bars for an additional 10 days.

7/24/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order permitting colleges and universities to reopen.

7/24/20 Gov. Justice provides updates on WVDE providing millions of meals to students.

7/24/20 Gov. Justice hosts lawmakers for meeting on COVID-19 recovery.

7/27/20 Gov. Justice directs West Virginia National Guard to assist with testing at a Princeton nursing facility.

7/27/20 Gov. Justice awards $1.3 million to help fairs and festivals after being shut down due to COVID-19.

7/29/20 Gov. Justice provides update on outbreak at Princeton nursing home facility.

7/31/20 Gov. Justice announces new report by U.S. Treasury ranks WV as the 4th-best state in the nation when it comes to the rate at which CARES Act funding is being used.

7/31/20 Gov. Justice announces pledge of $2.5 million to ensure all public and private college and university students and staff members are tested for COVID-19 upon their return to campus.

7/31/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order concerning extended benefits during the pandemic.

8/1/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order extending the closure of Monongalia County bars for an additional 10 days.

8/3/20 Gov. Justice directs DHHR to work with Thomas Health to immediately stand up St. Francis Hospital as a COVID-19 surge hospital as a precautionary measure.

8/3/20 Gov. Justice directs DHHR and the WVNG to closely monitor a rise in cases in both staff and patients at Beckley ARH Hospital and Logan Regional Medical Center.

8/3/20 Gov. Justice announces Medical Access Road Projects in all 55 counties to improve access to medical facilities.

8/5/20 Gov. Justice announces plan for reopening West Virginia schools.

8/5/20 Gov. Justice announces plan to get broadband access for virtual or remote learning.

8/5/20 Gov. Justice urges landowners, landlords, and banks to be patient with people facing eviction.

8/7/20 Gov. Justice unveils interactive map of 1,000+ Kids Connect WiFi locations. 

8/7/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia has 6th-lowest rate of virus spread in U.S.

8/7/20 Gov. Justice announces that WVNG and DHHR ran to the fire after single cases in Clarksburg veterans nursing facility and Wood County Courthouse. 

8/7/20 Gov. Justice reminds West Virginians that DHHR will begin accepting school clothing allowance applications on Sept. 1.

8/7/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order giving WVDE flexibility to maintain currently anticipated pay schedules and periods for teachers and school service personnel.

8/7/20 Gov. Justice updates seven active church outbreaks in five counties.

8/10/20 Gov. Justice commits to President Trump’s plan to extend unemployment benefits for West Virginians through the end of 2020.

8/10/20 Gov. Justice challenges his administration to consider feasibility of retesting nursing homes and correctional facilities.

8/10/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia’s rate of spread is 5th lowest in the nation.

8/12/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order temporarily restricting nursing home visitation.

8/12/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order extending closure of Monongalia County bars by seven days.

8/12/20 Gov. Justice announces new emotional strength hotline: HELP304

8/12/20 Gov. Justice announces that pre-installation work is underway at Kids Connect sites.

8/13/20 Gov. Justice awards $1.5 million to help ensure the survival of hundreds of West Virginia Fairs and Festivals impacted by COVID-19.

8/14/20 Gov. Justice announces school re-entry metrics and protocols.

8/15/20 Gov. Justice, Vice President Mike Pence hold joint briefing on West Virginia COVID-19 response.​

8/17/20 Gov. Justice announces adjustment to West Virginia School Re-entry Metrics and Protocol.

8/18/20 Gov. Justice awards $1.1 million to again ensure the survival of dozens more West Virginia fairs and festivals.

8/19/20 Gov. Justice hosts Dr. Deborah Birx, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, to discuss West Virginia virus response.

8/19/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia unemployment rate dropped again and remains below the national average.

8/19/20 Gov. Justice adds self-employed, sole proprietors to those eligible to receive small business grants.

8/19/20 Gov. Justice announces Executive Order to extend Monongalia County bar closure for 11 days and plans to reopen bars after closure.

8/19/20 Gov. Justice announces funding being sent to volunteer fire departments.

8/19/20 Gov. Justice directs Workforce West Virginia to apply for “Lost Wage Assistance” unemployment insurance funds.

8/21/20 Gov. Justice announces updated County Alert System for school status, nursing home visitation.

8/21/20 Gov. Justice modifies school re-entry protocols.

8/21/20 Gov. Justice, Superintendent Burch announce a School Re-entry Hotline for parents, educators, and citizens.

8/21/20 Gov. Justice announces expansion of Kids Connect Initiative.

​8/21/20 Gov. Justice announces plasma donation operation being established in West Virginia.

8/24/20 Gov. Justice announces details of County Alert System to determine nursing home visitation.

8/24/20 Gov. Justice highlights success of indoor face covering requirement.

8/25/20 Gov. Justice announces that high school bands will perform in the fall.​

8/26/20 Gov. Justice announces high school cheerleaders and marching band auxiliary groups, such as dance teams, color guard, and majorettes, will be allowed to perform this fall.

8/26/20 Gov. Justice announces Rt data highlights success of statewide indoor face covering requirement.​

8/28/20 Gov. Justice announces all 55 county school systems have necessary PPE and cleaning supplies to safely begin the academic year.

8/28/20 Gov. Justice holds virtual call with county superintendents to discuss school re-entry plans.

8/28/20 Gov. Justice announces that FEMA has approved the state’s application for a grant to provide a portion of unemployment benefits.

8/28/20 Gov. Justice announces bars are on track to reopen Monday in Monongalia County.

8/28/20 Gov. Justice releases supplemental safety guidelines that will be required for reopening of Monongalia County bars.

8/31/20 Gov. Justice goes over the results of the WV Department of Education's first ever Saturday 9 p.m. school re-entry map update.

8/31/20 Gov. Justice provides opportunity for student-athletes in orange counties to play immediately by being tested.

8/31/20 Gov. Justice announces that the countywide bar closure in Monongalia County has officially been lifted.

8/31/20 Gov. Justice announces WV Division of Motor Vehicles is offering deadline extensions on license expirations through end of year.

9/2/20 Gov. Justice announces extension of school meal waivers.

9/2/20 Gov. Justice issues an executive order closing Monongalia County bars again two days after reopening.

9/2/20 Gov. Justice announces he is committing $92,500 to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to fully fund the West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program for this year.

9/4/20 Gov. Justice establishes $50 million fund to ensure safety in schools.

9/4/20 Gov. Justice awards grant to all West Virginia Veterans organizations.

9/4/20 Gov. Justice directs West Virginia National Guard and DHHR to immediately stand up a Vaccine Preparation Task Force.

9/4/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order relating to the suspension of CSR § 143-1-12.3a as it applies to employees of Workforce West Virginia.

9/4/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order establishing the requirement that private and public Pre-K-12 schools follow the DHHR County Alert System map as it relates to any limitations or prohibitions on occupancy of such educational institutions for in-person instruction and/or athletic and extracurricular activities.​

9/8/20 Gov. Justice announces nearly 850 Kids Connect WiFi locations now up and running.

9/9/20 Gov. Justice announces additional unemployment benefits to begin being distributed next week; West Virginia one of only four states to approve full $400 per week amount.

9/9/20 Gov. Justice, Superintendent Clayton Burch move up release time of Department of Education’s official Saturday re-entry map update to 5 p.m.

9/9/20 Gov. Justice again urges landlords to cease evictions throughout the duration of the pandemic.​

9/8/20 Gov. Justice announces nearly 850 Kids Connect WiFi locations now up and running.

9/9/20 Gov. Justice announces additional unemployment benefits to begin being distributed next week; West Virginia one of only four states to approve full $400 per week amount.

9/9/20 Gov. Justice, Superintendent Clayton Burch move up release time of Department of Education’s official Saturday re-entry map update to 5 p.m.

9/9/20 Gov. Justice again urges landlords to cease evictions throughout the duration of the pandemic.

9/11/20 Gov. Justice announces orange counties on the County Alert Map will move to online instruction for school.

9/11/20 Gov. Justice reports all public schools received a combined total of 318,000 cloth masks.

9/11/20 Gov. Justice, Workforce WV Acting Commissioner Scott Adkins announces end of FEMA Lost Wages Assistance Program.

9/11/20 Gov. Justice announces Alcohol Beverage Control Administration will train additional enforcement agents.

9/11/20 Gov. Justice signs Executive Order 69-20, relating to the suspension of CSR § 143-1-14.3a as it applies to employees of DHHR.​

9/14/20 Gov. Justice hosts emergency meeting to discuss potential adjustments to color-coded county map system.

9/15/20 Gov. Justice adds “gold” category to color-coding scale and makes additional changes to County Alert System map.

9/15/20 Gov. Justice issues executive order prohibiting travel sports teams from participating in practices, games, or other competitions within counties designated as gold, orange, or red in the County Alert System.

9/15/20 Gov. Justice issues executive order decreasing the limit for purely social gatherings in gold, orange, or red counties from 25 people to 10 people.​

9/16/20 Gov. Justice commits $6 million to support child care providers and families.

9/16/20 Gov. Justice announces plan for testing and monitoring college students.

9/16/20 Gov. Justice announces drop in unemployment numbers for month of August.

9/18/20 Gov. Justice dubs the State’s color-coded system as the “West Virginia Model” which continues to set the national standard as CDC adopts similar model

9/18/20 Gov. Justice announces members of his administration met with West Virginia Hospital Association to ensure proper staffing and bed capacity.​

9/20/20 Gov. Justice activates “aggressive testing” efforts in all Red and Orange counties.​

9/21/20 Gov. Justice activates “aggressive testing” in all Red and Orange counties.

9/23/20 Gov. Justice reports all West Virginia counties out of Red status.

9/23/20 Gov. Justice receives COVID-19 test on-air, commits additional CARES Act funding to the DHHR and WV National Guard to support efforts to ramp up the Governor’s Aggressive Testing program.

9/23/20 Gov. Justice announces the state has reached an agreement with several private and Christian schools for enhanced safety measures to be put in place, including the full testing of students and staff, in order to hold in-person instruction. Gov. Justice signs Executive Order reflecting this agreement.​

9/25/20 Gov. Justice announces WVDE now reporting school outbreaks online.

9/25/20 Gov. Justice announces updated County Alert Map to match School Alert Map.

9/25/20 Gov. Justice and West Virginia Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh announce new adjustment to alert system maps, adding range of positivity rate to allow counties to drop to Orange status.

9/25/20 Gov. Justice and WVSSAC leaders permit Logan County schools to participate in athletics consistent with their Gold status, following school board’s decision to not go to in-person instruction.

9/25/20 Gov. Justice signs Executive Order 72-20, relating to the suspension of CSR § 143-1-14.3a as it applies to employees of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the West Virginia Division of Emergency Management, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal, and the West Virginia State Police. The order also lifts the requirement that State-issued identification cards provided by DCR to released inmates shall be valid for only 90 days after the date of issuance.

9/28/20 Gov. Justice adds free testing opportunities in state’s only two Orange counties: Kanawha and Barbour.

9/30/20 Gov. Justice, higher education leaders announce resources being provided for additional testing at colleges and universities.

9/30/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order 73-20, suspending the technical requirement that public auctions for lands which are delinquent for the nonpayment of taxes be held “at the front door of the courthouse.”

10/2/20 Gov. Justice offers his prayers to President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump after they announced they had tested positive for COVID-19.

10/2/20 Gov. Justice announces Aggressive Testing initiative curbing spread of COVID-19 in West Virginia.

10/2/20 Gov. Justice announces that state leaders have begun investigating claims that student-athletes are intentionally being tested repeatedly to drive their county’s numbers down, further announcing that he has asked WVSSAC officials to issue a ruling on any coaches or athletes who intentionally test excessively.

10/2/20 Gov. Justice receives flu vaccine live on-air, encouraging all West Virginians to follow suit to lessen the burden on healthcare systems statewide this flu season.​

10/5/20 Gov. Justice signs Executive Order 74-20, allowing outdoor live music performances and certain indoor music performances to resume, provided that all additional guidelines are followed to help keep West Virginians as safe as possible.

10/5/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia transmission rate nearing best in the nation.

10/5/20 Gov. Justice honors high-quality healthcare provided to West Virginians by physician assistants across the state by proclaiming Oct. 6, 2020 through Oct. 12, 2020 as National Physician Assistants Week in the Mountain State.

10/7/20 Gov. Justice honors two West Virginia nurses who passed away due to COVID-19.

10/9/20 Gov. Justice announces additional free testing at pharmacy drive-thrus, including Walgreens and Fruth Pharmacy.

10/9/20 Gov. Justice announces he will allow Monongalia County bars to reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, after recent drop in COVID-19 cases.

10/9/20 Gov. Justice provides funding to replenish the SNAP Stretch Program.

10/9/20 Gov. Justice announces more than 220 residents and staff members at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg were tested, with all of the additional results coming back negative.

10/12/20 Gov. Justice announces COVID-19 transmission rate in West Virginia nearing best in the nation.

10/12/20 Gov. Justice updates and clarifies guidance document on live performances, including live music.​

10/13/20 Gov. Justice issues executive order permitting all Monongalia County bars to reopen, so long as these establishments follow all appropriate guidelines provided by state health experts.

10/14/20 Gov. Justice awards $1 million to West Virginia food banks to support need amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

10/14/20 Gov. Justice announces unemployment numbers improve for fifth straight month after COVID-19 impact.

10/14/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia testing rate ranks 14th in the nation.

10/14/20 Gov. Justice calls on state leaders to redouble their efforts to make sure Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital in Huntington is as safe as possible after recent outbreak.

10/16/20 Gov. Justice announces completion of West Virginia COVID-19 Vaccination Plan and submission to the CDC.

10/16/20 Gov. Justice reviews CARES Act funding allocations.

10/16/20 Gov. Justice signs executive order, relating to the suspension of CSR § 143-1-14.3a as it applies to employees of the West Virginia Military Authority.

10/19/20 Gov. Justice announces that the West Virginia National Guard has received authorization from FEMA to increase the number of personnel on federal activation status to 400 in support of COVID-19 response operations.​

10/19/20 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia National Guard has received FEMA authorization to increase personnel on federal activation status.

10/21/20 Gov. Justice announces that the $25 million of CARES Act relief funds allocated to assist qualifying West Virginians pay their utility bills are now ready to be distributed.

10/23/20 Gov. Justice, State health experts urge extra caution as cases increase nationwide and colder weather approaches.

10/26/20 Gov. Justice pledges to further enhance testing efforts across West Virginia. 

10/28/20 Gov. Justice renews offer to assist counties with processing of COVID-19 case data.

10/28/20 Gov. Justice recognizes Bureau of Senior Services for work throughout the pandemic.

10/30/20 Gov. Justice honors heroes on the front lines of the state’s pandemic response.​

11/2/20 Gov. Justice urges West Virginians to take advantage of abundant free testing opportunities to help slow the spread.

11/2/20 Gov. Justice reports year-to-date revenue collections are $111.7 million above estimates and 9.8% above prior year receipts despite effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

11/4/20 Gov. Justice continues to encourage all West Virginians to be tested​.

11/6/20 Gov. Justice announces color-coded county map system will continue to determine the status of athletic competitions.

11/6/20 Gov. Justice and Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh review epidemiology report by the DHHR, which provides detailed data regarding COVID-19 case numbers being seen in school settings across West Virginia.

11/9/20 Gov. Justice announces $43 million to help thousands of businesses with cost of providing healthcare.

11/9/20 Gov. Justice celebrates progress on COVID-19 vaccine.

11/9/20 Gov. Justice coordinates additional round of full facility testing at Clarksburg Veterans Nursing Home after new staff positive.​

11/11/20 Gov. Justice, state health announce release of safety guidance for holiday celebrations.

11/13/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order broadening statewide indoor face covering requirement.

11/13/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order postponing the start date for all youth winter sports teams and leagues.

11/13/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order extending Thanksgiving Break for West Virginia public and private schools. 

11/13/20 Gov. Justice announces cancellation of all band festivals scheduled for Spring 2021 and all concert band festivals for the rest of the year.

11/13/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order requiring that all doctors, nurses, staff, and employees working at nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state be tested for COVID-19 twice a week.

11/16/20 Gov. Justice announces posters are now available on the DHHR’s online Face Covering Toolkit for businesses or organizations to print and display in accordance with the updated Statewide Indoor Face Covering Requirement.

11/16/20 Gov. Justice celebrates progress on another potential COVID-19 vaccine.

11/16/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order 81-20, concerning section 15 of Executive Order 7-20.​

11/20/20 Gov. Justice unveils new online map of free COVID-19 testing locations.

11/20/20 Gov. Justice announces one week after issuing an executive order, requiring that all doctors, nurses, staff, and employees working at nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state be tested for COVID-19 twice a week, asymptomatic positive cases have been found in 11 such facilities across West Virginia.

11/20/20 Gov. Justice discusses guidance on Thanksgiving travel and celebrations, issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

11/23/20 Gov. Justice recognizes National Public Health Thank You Day.

11/25/20 Gov. Justice announces first batch of COVID-19 vaccine expected to arrive in mid-December.

11/30/20 Gov. Justice: Hospitals and hospital systems asked to update surge plans, potentially reducing certain elective procedures.

11/30/20 Gov. Justice announces Moderna seeking emergency authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for their new COVID-19 vaccine.

12/2/20 Gov. Justice announces that free in-home testing, courtesy of Vault Health, is now available for all West Virginians. ​(*UPDATE: DHHR Secretary Bill Crouch announced on Dec. 11, 2020, that this program has been discontinued*)

12/2/20 Gov. Justice provides detailed data overview of the recent surge of cases being seen in West Virginia, particularly over the past month.

12/2/20 Gov. Justice announces he intends to provide additional information on Friday, regarding the initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccine doses in West Virginia.

12/2/20 Gov. Justice calls upon all West Virginians to donate blood and plasma, especially if you have recovered from COVID-19.​

12/4/20 Gov. Justice announces initial allocation plan for COVID-19 vaccine.

12/4/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order 82-20, creating a COVID-19 Joint Interagency Task Force to support all COVID-19 vaccination preparedness, deployment, and delivery related lines of effort.

12/4/20 Gov. Justice thanks President Trump for extending National Guard Title 32 orders through March 2021.

12/7/20 Gov. Justice announces initial vaccine order of more than 16,000 doses submitted to CDC.

12/9/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia’s initial Moderna vaccine allocation to increase to 32,600 doses.

12/9/20 Gov. Justice announces new rapid testing lab established at WVU.

12/11/20 Gov. Justice provides new details on phases of vaccine allocation plan.

12/11/20 Gov. Justice announces U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living donating 100,000 face coverings to the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services.

12/14/20 Gov. Justice announces arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in West Virginia.

12/14/20 Gov. Justice, pandemic response leaders receive COVID-19 vaccine.

12/14/20 Gov. Justice announces update to vaccine allocation plan and releases timeline for long-term care facilities.

12/14/20 Gov. Justice meets with Dr. Deborah Birx to discuss COVID-19 response.

12/14/20 Gov. Justice announces plan to initiate weekly testing of all college and university students across West Virginia.

12/16/20 Gov. Justice announces aggressive vaccination plan for long-term care facilities.

12/16/20 Gov. Justice provides details on Phase 2 of the vaccine allocation plan.

12/16/20 Gov. Justice announces that a letter, signed by over 30 West Virginia health leaders from diverse healthcare fields, was published in support of the COVID-19 vaccine.

12/16/20 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the month of November dropped to 6.2 percent, decreasing for the seventh consecutive month, despite the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state’s workforce.

12/18/20 Gov. Justice provides update on vaccine distribution efforts.

12/18/20 Gov. Justice, Revenue Secretary Dave Hardy review CARES Act funding allocation.

12/18/20 Gov. Justice, education leaders announce Extracurricular Equity Fund, which will help support extracurricular programs such as sports, band and choir, and countless other student organizations in every public high school across the state.

12/20/20 Gov Justice announces West Virginia leading the nation in vaccination rate.

12/21/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia’s national lead in vaccination rate continues.

12/21/20 Gov. Justice announces the West Virginia COVID-19 Dashboard has been updated to include the total number of vaccines received in West Virginia, as well as the number of doses administered.

12/21/20 Gov. Justice announces arrival of Moderna vaccine, plus additional Pfizer doses.

12/21/20 Gov. Justice reports that officials plan to provide vaccinations to all 160 of the remaining long-term care facilities in West Virginia within the next week.

12/21/20 Gov. Justice says CDC recommendations mirror West Virginia vaccination plan.

12/21/20 Gov. Justice and Dr. Steven Stefancic announce inclusive vaccination plan for Mercer County.

​12/21/20 Gov. Justice spotlights Cabell-Huntington Health Department for their production of a new video about the importance of wearing a mask, called “It’s not forever, it’s for each other.”

​12/21/20 Gov. Justice issues Executive Order 83-20, relating to the suspension of CSR § 143-1-14.3.a as it applies to State employees.

12/23/20 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, logging a 30.3% administration rate.

12/23/20 Gov. Justice announces increased utilization of monoclonal antibody treatment.

12/23/20 Gov. Justice announces commitment to continue to fund the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which subsidizes the state’s child care program via the CARES Act.

12/23/20 Gov. Justice urges West Virginians to reconsider celebrating the holiday season with their family in-person to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

12/25/20 Gov. Justice holds special Christmas Day COVID-19 briefing.

12/25/20 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution with a 47.01% administration rate.

12/25/20 Gov. Justice provides a reminder that the West Virginia Department of Education will not be releasing a Saturday School Alert System map update until Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, due to all schools being closed for the holidays.

12/28/20 Gov. Justice discusses new COVID-19 economic relief bill, which will provide $900 billion in aid across the country for those affected by the pandemic.

12/28/20 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution with a 50.49% administration rate.​

12/30/20 Gov. Justice announces most schools to return to in-person classes beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

12/30/20 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia will start allocating vaccines to individuals age 80 and older, beginning immediately. The Governor also urges patience while the West Virginia National Guard’s Joint Interagency Task Force finalizes plans for the widespread distribution of vaccines for West Virginians in this age category.

12/30/20 Gov. Justice announces that the COVID-19 vaccine will soon be offered to all teachers, service personnel, and other school employees age 50 and older.

12/30/20 Gov. Justice announces, as of Wednesday, 43.61 percent of West Virginia’s vaccines had been administered. The vaccination rate is the highest of any state in the nation.

12/30/20 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia is the first state in the county to finish providing the first vaccine dose to all of its long-term care facilities.

12/30/20 Gov. Justice announces that all students, faculty, and staff at every Higher Education institution in West Virginia will be tested for COVID-19 when they return to campus for the spring semester.

12/30/20 Gov. Justice announces that he has allocated $3.5 million from CARES Act money to WVU Medicine in connection with the Morgantown Community Resources Ramada Inn project.

12/30/20 Gov. Justice offers his prayers and condolences after the COVID-related passing of a paramedic for Putnam County EMS and a firefighter for the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department.

1/4/21 Gov. Justice provides vaccine distribution update, announcing that, since the previous week, over 8,300 West Virginians age 80 and older in the general population have been vaccinated.

1/4/21 Gov. Justice announces that vaccinations for teachers and staff will begin Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.

1/4/21 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia’s 50.5 percent vaccination rate remains among the highest of any state in the nation.

1/4/21 Gov. Justice announces creation of new COVID-19 Vaccine Info Line.

1/4/21 Gov. Justice honors pair of public servants lost to COVID-19.

1/6/21 Gov. Justice announces series of 10 vaccination clinics will be held at seven locations across the state for West Virginians age 80 and older through the recently dubbed operation “Save Our Wisdom” – the new title of efforts by Gov. Justice to focus on providing COVID-19 vaccines to West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens.

1/6/21 Gov. Justice announces that, in preparation for the reopening of schools on Jan. 19, 2021, he will be organizing a series of virtual calls with teachers and other school employees from around the state.

1/6/21 Gov. Justice reports that, according to the CDC’s new COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker, West Virginia remains among the top states in the nation for vaccine distribution on a per capita basis.

1/6/21 Gov. Justice announces that vaccinations for individuals in phases 1-A through 1-D of the state’s vaccine allocation plan continue this week, including healthcare workers and staff at higher education institutions age 50 and above.

1/6/21 Gov. Justice announces that residents and staff members at long-term care facilities have begun receiving their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. Officials report this makes West Virginia the first state in the nation to reach this milestone.​

1/8/21 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia continuing to lead vaccination distribution rate with 70.50 percent of vaccine doses administered.

1/8/21 Gov. Justice reports that 30 additional vaccination clinics were held on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, for school teachers and staff age 50 and older.

1/8/21 Gov. Justice announces that all long-term care facilities under the AMFM Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers umbrella are scheduled to complete their second vaccine doses.

1/8/21 Gov. Justice announces that as part of the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund, which was renewed by Congress in the second federal stimulus package, West Virginia has received more than $339 million in additional funds.

1/11/21 Gov. Justice says all eyes are on West Virginia as 100% of vaccines received to date in arms or scheduled to be administered. The Governor also highlighted that several national news outlets are recognizing West Virginia's success with COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

1/11/21 Gov. Justice announces that he issued an executive order establishing that all West Virginia public and private elementary and middle schools may reopen to in-person learning five days each week beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

1/11/21 Gov. Justice issues an executive order announcing that winter sports teams will be able to begin practicing on February 14, with games beginning on March 3.

1/11/21 Gov. Justice announces that a new tab has been added to the West Virginia COVID-19 dashboard, which shows a variety of data, including total number of first doses administered and total number of fully vaccinated individuals.​

1/13/21 Gov. Justice announces vaccines to be offered to all West Virginians age 70 and older.

1/13/21 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia remains the top-ranked state in the country for vaccine distribution on a per capita basis, according to the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker.

1/13/21 Gov. Justice announces that 14 vaccine clinics will be held this week through operation “Save Our Wisdom” with approximately 6,300 vaccines being allocated to the clinics.

1/13/21 Gov. Justice introduces financial aid program for West Virginia landlords and renters called the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program.

1/13/21 Gov. Justice announced that the State’s program to provide CARES Act dollars to cities and counties across West Virginia has now concluded, as all available funds have been exhausted, with a grand total of over $264 million being distributed through the program.​

1/15/21 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia reaches U.S.-leading 93.7 percent 1st dose vaccination rate.

1/15/21 Gov. Justice highlights several national news articles recognizing West Virginia's success with COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

1/15/21 Gov. Justice announces approximately 6,300 vaccines in total have been allocated to West Virginians through 14 vaccination clinics across the state this week alone; additional 17 clinics will be held over the next week.

1/15/21 Gov. Justice announces his intention to decrease the general population vaccination age requirement from 70 to 65 as soon as the state’s vaccine supply from the federal government makes doing so possible.

1/15/21 Gov. Justice secures more therapeutic treatments for COVID-19.

1/19/21 Gov. Justice makes vaccinations available to West Virginians age 65 and older.

1/19/21 Gov. Justice commends WVU Medicine for opening an ongoing community-based COVID-19 “superhub” vaccine clinic at the Morgantown Mall.

1/19/21 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia continues to lead the nation in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration with a first dose administration rate of 99.6 percent.

1/19/21 Gov. Justice welcomes students back to school for spring semester. Forty-eight of the state’s 55 counties were in school on Tuesday.

1/21/21 Gov. Justice announces that a new online vaccination scheduling system will be launched in the next week.

1/21/21 Gov. Justice announces that free public vaccination clinics will be made available in all 55 counties by Feb. 1, 2021.

1/21/21 Gov. Justice announces 15 additional vaccination clinics have been made available for frontline healthcare workers.

1/21/21 Gov. Justice announced that Fairmont Medical Center will open 42 additional beds to care for COVID-19 patients after a recent increase in COVID-19 rates in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia counties.

1/21/21 Gov. Justice explains that he took a phone call from the new U.S. COVID-19 Czar Jeff Zients, about one hour following the inauguration of new President Joe Biden, to discuss West Virginia's COVID-19 response.

1/25/21 Gov. Justice announces West Virginia has become the first state in the nation to launch an online COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration system through vaccinate.wv.gov. Within the first 10 hours of being available, more than 62,000 West Virginians pre-registered to be vaccinated.

1/25/21 Gov. Justice reported that West Virginia remains among the national leaders in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration with a first dose administration rate of 106.4 percent due to excess doses in vials of the vaccine.

1/25/21 Gov. Justice announces that free vaccination clinics for all West Virginians age 65 and older will be held in 17 counties across the state this week through operation “Save Our Wisdom.”

1/25/21 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia’s success with COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues to garner the attention of national news outlets, including The New York Times, which published a front-page story Monday titled “How West Virginia Became a U.S. Leader in Vaccine Rollout” (*paywall*) by Sarah Mervosh.

1/25/21 Gov. Justice celebrates vaccination partnership between Monongalia County, Mon Health Department, Mon Health System, and WVU Medicine to inoculate residents of North Central West Virginia more efficiently.​

1/27/21 Gov. Justice reports that West Virginia now boasts a first dose administration rate of 95.2 percent.

1/27/21 Gov. Justice reports that more than 100,000 West Virginians have now signed up for the new COVID-19 vaccination pre-registration list.

1/27/21 Gov. Justice recognizes Facing Hunger Food Bank and Mountaineer Food Bank for their efforts to help ensure all West Virginians have access to food, even in the face of the pandemic.

1/29/21 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia has become the first state in the nation to complete vaccinations at all nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

1/29/21 Gov. Justice provides clarification about vaccinations for teachers, service personnel, and other school employees.

1/29/21 Gov. Justice says more than 133,000 West Virginians have signed up to be added to the pre-registration list.

1/29/21 Gov. Justice reports that West Virginia now has the best second dose administration rate per capita of any state in the nation.

1/29/21 Gov. Justice is joined by Rev. James Patterson with the Partnership of African American Churches, who took time to discuss the work that the State’s COVID-19 Advisory Commission on African American Disparities has been doing to get vaccines administered to minority populations.

1/29/21 Gov. Justice commends West Virginia Congressional Delegate for letter to President Joe Biden’s administration, calling for more vaccine doses to be delivered to West Virginia.

2/1/21 Gov. Justice announces free vaccination clinics to be held in all 55 West Virginia counties this week.

2/1/21 Gov. Justice says West Virginia now boasts a first dose administration rate of 108.1 percent and a second dose administration rate of 69.4 percent; the best such rate of any state in the nation.

2/1/21 Gov. Justice announces that West Virginia’s general revenue collections for the month of January 2021 came in at $46.6 million above estimates and 1.6 percent above prior year receipts, despite the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state’s economy.