The Shadow
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Monday announced his plan for reopening the state.
Justice said West Virginia’s “comeback” hinges on the state’s cumulative percentage of positive test results.
The governor said his administration will begin reopening the state in phases once the state has experienced three consecutive days maintaining a cumulative percentage of positive test results below 3 percent.
On Monday, that percentage was at 2.47 percent.
Once the three-day criteria has been met, the first week of reopening the state will consist of restarting elective medical procedures along with outpatient health care services such as primary care, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy as well as mental health services.
Daycares will also be allowed to resume operations beginning week one.
On Friday, Justice announced plans to require mandatory COVID-19 testing of all staff at daycare facilities.
Small businesses supplied with the proper personal protective equipment will reopen in week two.
Hair and nail salons and barbershops will be allowed to open their doors by appointment only and masks will be required to be worn by both employees and customers.
Justice says customers would be required to remain in their vehicle until called into the business and temperature checks will be required.
Outdoor dining at restaurants is also under the week two plan.
During week two, churches and funerals with a limited gathering size will also be permitted with the proper PPE.
The following businesses are included in weeks three through six: office and government buildings, specialty retail stores, parks, gyms and recreational centers, dine-in restaurants, hotels, casinos, spas and any other remaining small business.
Businesses that have no timeline for reopening right now include: nursing homes and entertainment venues such as movie theaters, sporting events and concerts.
Gatherings larger than 25 people will still not be allowed under Justice’s new guidelines.
