MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice has a ten day extension for the bar closure in Mon County.
“Monongalia County remains a hotspot and going to a bar is among the riskiest things that we can do at a time where we’re trying to contain this terrible virus,” Gov. Justice said. “We’ve seen some of our numbers across the state start to move in our favor just in the past day or so, but it’s absolutely crucial for us to see continued improvement in Monongalia County in the days ahead. It is our hope to be able to get these businesses reopened as soon as safety can be ensured for all.”
The new order also allows customers to be seated, for dining, at tables and bar tops within “bar areas” of restaurants, hotels, and other similar facilities, subject to the same limitations that are in place for restaurants. The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration is expected to offer further guidance on this matter.
“Ron Dulaney as the mayor of Morgantown, three county commissioners and Mon County health officer Dr. Lee Smith we are now allowed to have an expanded service area of the bar to be able to serve food, and of course serve drinks”Mon County commission president Ed Hawkins said,”It’s intended to be jsy as if it were a tabletop.”
Members of the Mon County commission also asked the governor to extend the order.
Under the extension, Mon County bars will remain closed until Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at 12:01 a.m.
“I’m happy with the fact that we were able to communicate effectively with the state regarding what goes on in Monongalia County,” Hawkins said.”
The DHHR website shows Mon County has 244 active COVID-19 cases, down from nearly 400 earlier this week.