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CHARLESTON -- Another week of reopenings started Monday as statewide coronavirus testing of at-risk communities and the correctional facilities continues.
Gov. Jim Justice gave his final coronavirus briefing Monday from the State Capitol Building before voters go to the polls this morning for the primary election. Justice is seeking a second term as governor and the Republican nomination after winning the 2016 race for governor as a Democrat.
"It's our right to vote," Justice said. "Get out and let your voice be heard."
Monday was the beginning of week seven of Justice's "West Virginia Strong – The Comeback" reopening plan. As of Monday, the following could re-start: low-contact outdoor youth sports, middle and high school athletics sanctioned by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, band camps, little league sports practices, and all remaining adult in-door and outdoor sports facilities.
Starting Wednesday, private and state campgrounds cabins, and lodges could reopen to out-of-staters at a seven-day limit. Starting Monday, June 22, youth sports, outdoor sports, and equestrian events can re-start with spectators, as well as youth summer camps. Fairs, festivals, amusement parks, and rides can restart Wednesday, July 1, along with outdoor concerts. Guidance for all restarting plans can be found at governor.wv.gov.
"We will have strict guidelines and we'll follow the (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines," Justice said.
Testing continues in the state's jails and prisons according to the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. As of Sunday afternoon, there was one positive coronavirus case in four out of the 10 state regional jails: The Eastern Regional Jail in Berkeley County, the North Central Regional Jail in Doddridge County, the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Hampshire County, and the Tygart Valley Regional Jail in Randolph County.
"We are quarantining those people and we're on top of it," Justice said. "Our people are doing their job and doing what they ought to be doing."
Randolph County is also home to the Huttonsville Correctional Facility, which was the catalyst for the statewide testing of prisons and jails last week. At one point, the facility had 120 positive inmates after an inmate and a part-time correctional officer first tested positive for COVID-19. As of Sunday, 97 inmates have recovered, leaving 23 inmates still infected.
Since statewide testing, only one other prison -- the Martinsburg Correctional Center -- has reported a positive case after testing 121 inmates. So far, only the work-release center in Parkersburg and only about two-thirds of the state's 10 juvenile services facilities have been tested, though all testing should be completed by the end of the week. Of the state's 2,144 correctional staff and contract employees, only two have the coronavirus while eight have recovered from their infections. There are still 1,253 cases for staff awaiting results.
"The Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation remains on track to expand enhanced testing to all facilities," Justice said.
There were more than 13,000 tests for coronavirus administered since last week, with drive-through testing available to minorities, at-risk populations, and anyone who wanted to be tested. This weekend's testing included locations in Harrison, McDowell, and Ohio counties.
Free drive-through testing will be available starting Friday and Saturday in Greenbrier, Hancock, Logan, and Wood counties. Times include 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dorie Miller Park in Lewisburg, the Cora Volunteer Fire Department in Logan, and Parkersburg High School. Testing in Hancock County will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Weirton Event Center.
Testing is available Saturday in Grant, Hampshire, and Hardy counties between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The testing will take place at the Hawse Health Center locations in those counties. People wishing to be tested are required to bring a driver's license or proof of address. Children 18 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
"It's all free testing," Justice said. "I encourage everyone to get out and participate. The more data you give us, the better off we'll all be."