US: Stricter gathering restrictions remain in place in most counties in West Virginia due to COVID-19 activity as of Jan. 26 /update 19

Officials in West Virginia, US, maintain stricter gathering restrictions in 52 counties as of Jan. 26 due to COVID-19 activity.

Event

As of Jan. 25, authorities in West Virginia maintain stricter gathering restrictions in 52 of the state's 55 counties, despite a decrease in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity throughout the state.

West Virginia uses a five-tier, color-coded system for assessing risk based on the levels of COVID-19 activity in each county and implements restrictions accordingly. Risk rankings range from green, indicating the lowest level of COVID-19 activity, to red, signifying the highest infection rates. Authorities prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people in counties under the red, orange, and gold levels and over 25 people in counties under the yellow and green levels. While multiple counties have seen a decrease in their risk levels, most remain in the red, orange, or gold levels. As of Jan. 26 there are:

15 counties at the red level: Berkeley, Boone, Brooke, Doddridge, Hampshire, Hardy, Marshall, Mingo, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Ritchie, Tyler, Wayne, Wetzel, and Wirt.
30 counties at the orange level: Barbour, Braxton, Cabell, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mason, Monongalia, Monroe, Morgan, Nicholas, Ohio, Pleasants, Preston, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Roane, Taylor, Upshur, Webster, Wood, and Wyoming.
7 counties at the gold level: Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, McDowell, Mineral, and Summers.

Mercer and Lewis counties are at the yellow level, and Tucker county is the only one at green level.

Statewide, all indoor and outdoor fairs, festivals, and concerts remain banned. Outdoor live music performances may occur at 25 percent of the venue's capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. This limit does not apply to businesses or certain events such as religious ceremonies, weddings, or conferences. All residents age nine and above, except those with health issues, must wear a protective facemask in all indoor public settings statewide.

Most nonessential businesses and other facilities, including casinos, movie theaters, bars, restaurants, barbershops, hair salons, gyms, and amusement parks, can operate. All establishments that reopen must comply with certain mandates to prevent further spread of the virus, including directives on enhanced sanitization procedures, the use of personal protective equipment, and social-distancing guidelines. All residents - especially senior citizens and persons with compromised immune systems - are still encouraged to remain home to the extent possible.

Authorities could reimpose, tighten, or otherwise amend restrictions over the coming weeks, should any spike in disease activity occur.

Advice

Heed the directives of the authorities. Continue to emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.