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CHARLESTON,
WV – Gov. Jim Justice conducted a statewide address at
the Capitol Complex in Charleston today to update West Virginians on the
precautionary measures that are being taken in the interest of protecting
the public from the potential spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19).
“We knew it was coming and we were prepared for this. We should try to
live our lives as best we can and we should not panic,” Gov. Justice
said. “We should not be afraid, we should be smart at this time.”
During Tuesday evening’s
address, Gov. Jim Justice announced the state’s first
positive case of COVID-19.
Latest DHHR COVID-19
testing numbers available here
The Governor announced that he has ordered the closure of all restaurants and bars beginning tonight, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. These establishments will be able to continue to operate carry out and drive-thru operations. Gov. Justice also announced that he has ordered the closure of all casinos beginning tonight at 11:59 p.m. More details will be released as they become available.
“This is a once-in-our-lifetime event happening here – a pandemic. This
is real and it’s really concerning,” Gov. Justice said. “Our power to
combat this disease is being apart from one another. We have to take
seriously all the hygiene recommendations, we have to take seriously the
ability to stay six feet apart from one another.
“The last days and the last weeks have been tough. They’ve been lonely
and tough for Cathy and I, and our family, and all of you. This is a
serious problem,” Gov. Justice said. “I’ll be with you, through thick or
thin, in every way and we’re gonna win, we’re going to beat this bad, bad
disease.”
This comes after President Donald J. Trump issued a set of new
guidelines Monday for all Americans for the next 15
days to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes avoiding all social
gatherings of more than 10 people.
For more information about COVID-19 prevention and more, call the State’s
toll-free hotline at 1-800-887-4304
or visit Coronavirus.wv.gov.
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