MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Mon County health officer, Dr. Lee Smith issued new local orders Tuesday in conjunction with previously issued directives from Governor Jim Justice relating to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Both orders are designed to promote social distancing in an effort to disrupt flow of the virus in the community.
Dr. Lee Smith cites Chapter 16 of West Virginia Code that gives broad authority to the Mon County Health Department to take measures deemed necessary to save lives and protect the safety of the public.
The order says all residents within Monongalia County should stay at home unless performing an essential occupation or an essential need for your residence. Further, people should limit the number of visits to your home “to the greatest extent possible.”
Outdoor activities, including the sale of produce or farm goods are limited to five people that must maintain social distancing of six feet at all times.
“We’ve got a lot of people that are still out not paying attention to what’s going on,”MECCA 911 director Jim Smith said,”The more we do that, the more we put people in jeopardy.”
Essential businesses are directed to limit staff where possible, practice social distancing, supply adequate disinfecting solutions/wipes, soap & water, sanitizer and when possible masks and gloves. Additionally, protective barriers (safety glasses, masks or plexiglass shields)must be provided for employees that deal directly with the public.
“The health department gets calls everyday of different operations that are open,”MECCA 911 director Jim Smith said,”The health goes out to make sure the business is open is essential.”
Businesses permitted to remain open, or choose to remain open must have no more than 2 employees per 1,000 square feet, the business should keep track of the number of occupants in the building. Additionally, the business should develop policies to promote social distancing and post them in prominent places in the building and on social media.
Individuals with unmet needs due to the order are asked to call United Way 211.
Any person exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, awaiting a test or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 is ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days. Any person that has had contact with suspected of having COVID-19 asked to contact the health department for further guidance.
“If you don’t have to be out, stay home,”MECCA 911 director Jim Smith said,”This is going to over shortly, the more way stay home, the quicker we’ll get through this.”
In the order, Dr. Smith asks for assistance from the West Virginia State Police, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia National Guard.
The health department is also asking citizens to wear a mask or face covering while out in public. Infected people with or without symptoms of illness may spread this virus by simply breathing, talking, singing, or yelling. All these actions will create aerosols of tiny airborne virus particles that can float suspended in air for three hours.