COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice announces closure of gyms and recreation facilities

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice joined State health leaders at the Capitol Complex in Charleston today for a press briefing to once again update the public on the many precautionary measures being taken in the interest of protecting the public from the potential spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

CLOSURE OF GYMS, REC FACILITIES, AND MORE
During his remarks, the Governor announced that he has issued an Executive Order, mandating the statewide closure of all fitness centers, gymnasiums, recreation centers, and similar businesses or places where the public tends to congregate for recreation, sport, or other similar leisure activities.

Click here to view the Executive Order

This order will officially go into effect tonight at midnight.

“In the last 24 hours there have been a lot of things that have changed. We’ve asked that for two weeks we close all the restaurants, bars, and casinos,” Gov. Justice said. “Today we’re going to ask for two weeks that all the gyms, health clubs, and recreation facilities close.”

RULE PROHIBITING SALE OF BEER AND WINE TO-GO SUSPENDED

Also today, at the request of the Governor, the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration temporarily suspended the regulatory rule prohibiting bars and restaurants from providing beer and wine for off-premises consumption to the citizens of the State of West Virginia throughout the recently announced State of Emergency.

As of Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the sale of sealed bottles of wine and unopened beer products to customers who have purchased food is legal. 

The temporary rule suspension does not authorize wine or beer deliveries. The sale of to-go liquor products continues to be prohibited.

GOV. JUSTICE SECURES SUPPORT FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP
Also today, Gov. Justice called President Donald J. Trump at the White House. During the call, President Trump pledged his support to the state of West Virginia, including agreeing to quickly provide swabs and other testing supplies.

STATE PERSONNEL POLICY
Also today, Gov. Justice announced that he has ordered all cabinet secretaries in his administration to determine non-essential employee positions and allow those employees to begin working from home. The Governor has tasked his cabinet secretaries with determining which positions will be considered “essential” in their respective departments.

ALL WV BUSINESSES URGED TO SEND NON-ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES HOME
The Governor is also asking all businesses across West Virginia to look for ways to allow as many employees as possible to work from home while still keeping our essential businesses operating.

“We as West Virginians have got to step up in every way and I urge you beyond belief to have confidence that we’ve got this,” Gov. Justice said.

CAPITOL CLOSED FOR NON-BUSINESS VISITS
The West Virginia Capitol Complex remains open for official business. Tours and other non-business visits are halted until further notice. As always, citizens are encouraged to access government services by phone or online at wv.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Gov. Justice is continuing to encourage West Virginians to follow the guidelines presented Monday by President Trump to avoid 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.