May 21st, 2020 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice began his regular briefing on Thursday by announcing that the number of COVID-19 cases are rising significantly in the state’s eastern panhandle- particularly Jefferson and Berkeley counties- and he may have to consider mandatory masking for those areas. The National Guard  has been dispatched to the location to investigate- with those findings to be announced Friday. The governor said it is imperative for all West Virginian’s but especially those in the hot spot counties to follow the established safety guidelines- most importantly when it comes to wearing a mask. Justice says the eastern panhandle is clearly being impacted by its proximity to Maryland and Virginia and that is leading to a spike in the numbers statewide.                              

On a more positive note, the governor said the latest re opening plans include swimming pools, bowling alleys and other indoor amusement facilities on May 30th; with movie theatres scheduled to re-open June 5th