COVID-19
COVID Information
West Virginia has a very high-risk population, with a greater percentage of elderly residents and people with underlying health issues than other states. That means should this virus start to spread widely, a significant number of West Virginians could die or require intense hospital care. That's why it's important for us to take seriously the preventive measures our health experts have asked us to put in place.
Those include:
- Washing your hands & practicing good hygiene.
- Staying home as much as possible.
- Avoiding large crowds and gatherings of 10 or more.
- Isolating yourself if you feel sick or have been around someone who's sick.
- Buying only those essential things you need at grocery stores, and not hoarding.
This is why we've asked many businesses where people commonly congregate or closely interact with one another to close for now, and for employers to let their employees work from home if at all possible. We must stop the spread of this virus and avoid overwhelming our hospitals and health care system.
Now, other states have enacted more strict measures, such as shelter-in-place orders and shutting down all non-essential businesses. We want to try to avoid doing that if at all possible, but it may be necessary should this get out of hand. That's why we're asking you tonight to please - PLEASE - take seriously these social distancing measures and stay at home as much as possible. Only go out if you need to, and avoid crowds as much as possible. We've all got to do our part. We're all in this together and we will defeat this enemy.
Stay home. Stay safe. Save lives.