Community

Brooke Commissioners Discuss Coronavirus Precautions

WELLSBURG - A recent pandemic-related executive order by Gov. Jim Justice and the report of six new COVID-19 cases within the last few days led Brooke County commissioners to reiterate precautions being taken at the county courthouse and other buildings to prevent spread of the coronavirus.

The commissioners noted Justice has ordered everyone in the state to wear masks while indoors and in public or private places if social distancing can't be maintained.

Exceptions include individuals' own homes, children under 9 and those who have trouble breathing or can't remove masks without assistance.

In recent months the commissioners have required visitors to wear masks while recommending them for staff.

Staff in the first judicial circuit and magistrate courts and all visitors to them have been ordered by state court officials to wear masks.

County Commissioner A.J. Thomas said all staff and visitors at the courthouse and other county buildings should follow the governor's order whenever safe distancing can't be maintained.

County Commissioner Stacey Wise noted masked security guards at the courthouse's entrance are distributing passes to visitors in an effort to reduce the number of people in a department at one time.

She added anyone planning to visit the courthouse is encouraged to make an appointment.

Walk-ins are being accepted, Wise said, "but they may have to wait."

The commissioners were asked recently their policy on staff taking vacations to areas declared hot spots for the coronavirus.

Thomas said staff should follow recommendations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when planning such trips.

He noted the county health department recommends testing for the virus within three to five days after returning and said until those staff members have tested negative for it, they should wear masks for at least 14 days to prevent themselves from potentially contaminating others. The discussion came following the Brooke County Health Department's report of its sixth positive case of the virus within the last few days.

Mike Bolen, the department's administrator, said it was a man in his 60s.

On Monday the health department reported five confirmed cases, including a man in his 60s and four women in their 20s, 30s, 50 and 80s.

Eight others who tested positive for the virus in recent months have recovered.

Bolen said at least two of those recently tested had traveled outside the Tri-State Area.

None of the current cases had been hospitalized at this time, and many displayed mild symptoms or appeared to be asymptomatic, he said.

But the modest surge has raised concerns about the virus spreading to more people.

In addition to stressing frequent hand-washing and safe distancing, Bolen and other public health officials are encouraging anyone who believes he or she might have the virus to avoid contact with others and to seek medical help but call before visiting their health care provider.

Symptoms of the coronavirus can include a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.