MORGANTOWN — Gov. Jim Justice on Thursday ended the suspense about the resumption of summer fairs and festivals, announcing they will be allowed to start up again beginning July 1.
“We’ve got to have some level of relatively strict guidelines,” however, he cautioned.
Those will be posted today.
He also updated the limit on public gatherings, raising it from 25 to 100, effective today.
Protests
When asked whether the 100-person limit applies to the George Floyd demonstrations around the state — a planned protest at the Capitol is expected to draw up to 2,000 — Justice said exercising one’s rights is more important than a number.
But protestors should wear masks and social distance to protect public health.
On the same topic, The Dominion Post asked if the state is bracing in any way for COVID-19 outbreaks stemming from the protests.
Justice didn’t completely answer the question, but said, “All of our agencies are ready if we would have a situation like that. I hope and pray we don’t.”
Feeding the hungry
Justice said he was excited to announce a collaborative summer feeding program and new, interactive map.
“This effort is unbelievable,” he said.
The program is a cooperative effort of the National Guard, Department of Education, Bureau of Senior Services, VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and the United Way, he said.
It’s centerpiece is the map, which is posted on the governor’s website — governor.wv.gov. It will also be viewable on other agencies’ sites.
This map makes it easy for residents to find the closest, most convenient food resources to them.
Residents can also call 211 to connect to the United Way for information.
The program will put food on the table for anyone who needs it — children, families, seniors and others experiencing hard times.
He noted that a change of rules at senior centers now allows seniors to pick up meals not just for themselves but for family members.
State Schools Superintendent Clayton Burch said more than 300 sites will provide food for kids during the summer.
VOAD director Jenny Gannaway said food pantries need PPE to do their jobs. Through a series of grants, they are able to provide PPE for senior services, food pantries and domestic violence programs.
Schools
Burch said a re-entry council with representatives from 40-50 agencies and groups has been helping formulate a plan for a return to school in August, and they hope to release a framework next week.
“It’s too early in June to say exactly what August entry looks like,” he said.
But they are learning what kind of modifications might be needed and hope to give the 55 county superintendents tools to make the schools safe.
That might mean smaller groups, avoiding congregate feeding in cafeterias, careful sanitation and other changes.
“It will absolutely, probably look different than it has in past years.”
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