Gov. Justice issues “Stay At Home” order for all West Virginians

3/24/2020

CHARLESTON, WV – To further combat the spread of COVID-19 in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice issued a “Stay At Home” order today, directing all West Virginia residents to stay at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs.

The order will go into effect beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 8 p.m. and will remain in effect until terminated by subsequent executive order.

Click here to view the full “Stay At Home” order on the Governor’s website

Click here to view a summary of the order along with frequently asked questions and answers

“From the standpoint of cases, as of last night we had 16 positive cases in our state,” Gov. Justice said. “One of those cases is a lady in a nursing home. This is the first case we’ve had of community transmission and so this is really significant. It’s important that all of us understand the magnitude of this situation today,” Gov. Justice said. “The magnitude is unbelievable. It’s the biggest event for any living person in the United States today, period. “This disease is really serious stuff. Please stay home, please listen to our order, and please in every way shape, form, or fashion keep consulting your God above and absolutely every one of us will get through this.”

“STAY AT HOME” ORDER DETAILS

With the order in place, West Virginians can still:

Go to the grocery, convenience, or warehouse store
Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)
Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery, or drive-thru
Care for or support a friend or family member
Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog, and be in nature for exercise – just keep at least six feet between you and others
Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary
Help someone to get necessary supplies
Receive deliveries from any business which delivers

However, West Virginians should not:

Go to work unless you are providing essential services or work for an essential business as defined by the Order
Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
Maintain less than six feet of distance from others when you go out
Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other

What is the difference between “Stay at Home” and “social distancing”?

Stay at home is a stricter form of social distancing
Stay at home means:

Stay home (stay unexposed and do not expose others)
Only go out for essential services
Stay six feet or more away from others
Don’t gather in groups

“Our people are working around the clock, as well as myself, and we’re on it as best we possibly can. We’ve done good stuff,” Gov. Justice said. “That has led us to only 16 positive tests at this time. But we’ve got to realize we are a very high risk state.”

Contact Information

Office of the Governor govofficecomm@wv.gov