COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice extends closure of Monongalia County bars for an additional 10 days
7/23/2020
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CHARLESTON,
WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced
today that he has issued an executive order, extending the closure of all bars
in Monongalia County for an additional 10 days.
Click here to view the order
“Monongalia County remains a hotspot and going to a bar is among the riskiest
things that we can do at a time where we’re trying to contain this terrible
virus,” Gov. Justice said. “We’ve seen some of our numbers across the state
start to move in our favor just in the past day or so, but it’s absolutely
crucial for us to see continued improvement in Monongalia County in the days
ahead. It is our hope to be able to get these businesses reopened as soon as
safety can be ensured for all.”
As of Thursday morning, July 23, more than 17.9 percent of West Virginia’s
active cases were located in Monongalia County. Their 289 active cases are the
highest total for any county statewide.
“At the end of the day, we need a little more time to see where our numbers are
headed,” Gov. Justice said. “We cannot afford to make a wrong move and end up
right back where we started or worse.”
The order was also requested by the Monongalia County Commission to help ensure
the health and safety of citizens.
The order keeps all Monongalia County bars closed for the on-premises
consumption of food or drinks or occupancy by the general public. However,
customers will still be permitted to pick up food or drinks to be taken away.
The new order also allows patrons to be seated, for dining, at tables and bar
tops within "bar areas" of restaurants, hotels, and other similar
facilities, subject to the same limitations that are in place for restaurants.
The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration will soon issue
further guidance regarding this limitation to these facilities.
The new order extends the countywide bar closure, established under Executive Order 52-20, until Monday, Aug. 3,
2020, at 12:01 a.m.
Contact Information
Jordan Damron, jordan.l.damron@wv.gov