West Virginia Week in Review - March 13, 2020

3/13/2020

Gov. Justice takes precautionary measures to slow spread of COVID-19

 

 

 

Over the course of the week, Governor Jim Justice and state health leaders made several orders and recommendations in the interest in combatting the emerging health threat of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

  • On Saturday, March 7, 2020, Gov. Justice and the DHHR announced that, for the first time, testing for COVID-19 could be performed in-state by DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health’s lab. Previously, West Virginia had been submitting tests of individuals who were considered at significant risk of having COVID-19 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for testing.
  • On Monday this week, Mach 9, 2020, Gov. Justice and DHHR Secretary Crouch participated in their latest national briefing call with Vice President Mike Pence and officials with the Trump Administration. Gov. Justice and Secretary Crouch have participated in numerous national briefings over the past several weeks. 
  • Also on Monday, Gov. Justice and the DHHR announced the creation of an information hotline to address public and medical provider questions and concerns regarding COVID-19.
  • On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, key members of the Justice administration and other government officials held a press conference to update members of the media and the public on the State’s ongoing efforts to monitor COVID-19 and to prepare for its potential future spread.
  • On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Gov. Justice and state officials held a press briefing announcing that he had issued a State employee travel ban on both out-of-state and international travel for State business. He also asked all West Virginians to reconsider non-essential out-of-state travel for personal business. Additionally, Gov. Justice directed all State government offices to avoid holding any large meetings or gatherings and announced the cancellation of the state high school basketball tournaments.
  • On Friday, March 13, 2020, Gov. Justice announced that due to the emerging health threat posed by COVID-19, he has ordered the closure of all pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade schools in West Virginia.

 

 

 

There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia. However, it’s anticipated that the disease will be confirmed in the state in the near future.
 
Beginning this afternoon and continuing for the foreseeable future, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources will provide daily updates on the number of COVID-19 tests and any potential future cases. That information, along with additional alerts and updates, will also be readily available online at coronavirus.wv.gov.

 

 

 

Gov. Justice: “Family-First Initiative a home run, in economically responsible budget”

 

 

 

On Saturday, Gov. Justice congratulated members of the Legislature for passing their budget which contained all of the elements of the Governor's Family-First Initiative, including funding for foster families, eliminating the IDD waiver waitlist, providing food for hungry children and seniors, and much more.
Gov. Justice also released a statement on the budget and the conclusion of the legislative session. 

 

 

 

Gov. Justice signs bill creating West Virginia Impact Fund

 

 

 

Gov. Jim Justice hosted a ceremonial event Thursday in Charleston, signing into law a bill designed to attract major economic development projects and bring countless jobs into the state. HB 4001 creates the West Virginia Impact Fund. This fund will allow the State to serve as an official partner in investment deals. The funds would not come from taxpayer dollars. Finances would come from corporations, private investors, or other sovereign investment funds. 

 

 

 

Gov. Justice announces $1.08 million in funding for Rainelle storm water project

 

 

 

Gov. Justice announced on Friday that the State of West Virginia has been awarded $1,084,875 in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce major flood risk impacting Rainelle, due to the water flow in the creeks or the Meadow River in Greenbrier County. This grant funding is in response to the June 2016 Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and is part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The purpose of HMGP is to enact mitigation measures reducing the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters.

 

 

 

Gov. Justice recognizes American hero Woody Williams after US Nacy ship named in his honor

 

 

 

 

Gov. Justice attends Senior Day for WVU Men's Basketball

 

 

 

 

WVDNR highlights Trout in the Classroom program

 

 

 

This week, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources highlighted the Trout in the Classroom program. This is a national program through Trout Unlimited that allows West Virginia students to raise fish that will eventually be released into local waterways.

 

 

 

First Lady Justice reads to Wyoming County students for Literacy Week

 

 

 

Last Friday, First Lady Cathy Justice visited Wyoming County to read to students as part of Literacy Week. The First Lady joined Wyoming County Superintendent Diedre Cline at Pineville Elementary to read a children's book to first-grade students in the library.

 

 

 

WVDE honors more than 100 National Board Certified teachers

 

 

 

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) recognized 104 educators Tuesday night as part of this year’s National Board Certification (NBC) Recognition Celebration at the West Virginia Culture Center. The honorees represent the 51 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) as well as the 53 educators who successfully renewed their certification last year. National Board Certification is the gold-standard credential for educators in the United States. The rigorous process, which can take three years to complete, includes four components: content knowledge; differentiation in instruction; teaching practice and learning environment; and effective/reflective practice.

 

 

 

WVDE hosts 77th annual FFA Ham, Bacon, and Egg Competition and Auction

 

 

 

On Monday evening, the Department of Education hosted the 77th annual FFA Ham, Bacon and Eggs Show and Sale at the State Capitol Complex. The event consists of hams, bacon entries, and eggs that the FFA students have raised, prepared and cured as part of their educational and agricultural experiences in their counties. The students showed their products during the day and the items were auctioned that evening. All proceeds benefited the winners directly.

 

 

 

WVDE participates in CTE Day at the Legislature

 

 

 

Last Friday, the Department of Education participated in Career and Technical Education Day at the West Virginia Legislature. CTE students from all over the state showed off their talents to legislators and Capitol visitors. These students will graduate high school ready to join West Virginia's skilled workforce.

 

 

 

Gov. Justice speaks to members of the West Virginia Association of Realtors

 

 

 

 

 

WVDOT spotlights continuing work on I-70 Bridges project

 

 

 

In this week's episode of WVDOT in Motion, the Department of Transportation spotlighted progress made on the I-70 Bridges project in Wheeling and discussed the continued work expected in the coming months. As part of the Governor’s Roads to Prosperity program, rehabilitation work on 25 bridges along I-70 will be completed over the next three years. It’s important for drivers to pay attention and be patient as work continues in the area.

 

 

 

WVDEP highlights houses saved from abandoned mine landslide

 

 

 

On Thursday, the Department of Environmental Protection's Environment Matters highlighted the story of several homes in Bridgeport that were saved from an abandoned mine landslide. The work was done by the DEP's Office of Abandoned Mine Lands.

 

 

 

WVNG holds Reenlistment and Retirement Ceremony at Camp Dawson

 

 

 

West Virginia Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Russell Crane, Assistant Adjutant General of the WV National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Jones, State Command Sergeant Major of the WV National Guard, hosted a Reenlistment and Retirement Ceremony at Camp Dawson on Saturday. During the ceremony, 24 current members of the WVARNG reenlisted. The ceremony consisted of reenlistments, a flag folding ceremony and the honoring of the retirees and their families. Eleven military members were honored for their service to country and state, along with their families and their service of support.

 

 

 

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Contact Information

Jordan Damron, jordan.l.damron@wv.gov

Contact

Office of the Governor
State Capitol, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E
Charleston, WV 25305

Office Phone:
304.558.2000 or 1.888.438.2731

Governor's Mansion:
304.558.3588

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