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As Classes Resume, College Towns Feel The Economic Impacts Of The Pandemic

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On this West Virginia Morning, we visit Williamson where folks are taking an innovative approach to healthcare – they’re trying to keep people from needing it. Also, in this show, we hear from colleges and universities in the Ohio Valley as they navigate the financial and economic impacts of the coronavirus.

Nearly six months into the ongoing pandemic, West Virginia continues to see a surge in coronavirus cases. This as K-12 schools reopen, and as the state continues to see the highest rate of spread in the entire country. Dave Mistich reports.

Class is back in session for colleges and universities across the Ohio Valley. But many students have not returned to campus due to coronavirus concerns. Aaron Payne reports that while colleges and universities will have to deal with the financial impact, the towns they’re located in will also feel the economic impact.

The coronavirus has also taken a toll on several of West Virginia’s rural hospitals, which were having financial problems before the pandemic. During the first few months of the COVID-19 stay-at-home order and work shutdown, three West Virginia hospitals folded: Fairmont, Bluefield and after more than 100 years in the community, Williamson Hospital in Mingo County. On the most recent episode of WVPB’s program Us & Them, host Trey Kay spoke with folks in Williamson about the impact of losing their hospital.

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Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University, and Shepherd University.

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