Associated Press, Author at West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Dozens Of Inmates Test Positive For Virus At W.Va. Prison

Dozens of inmates at a West Virginia prison have tested positive for the new coronavirus, health officials said.

According to the state Department of Health and Human Resources’ website, 138 inmates at the Mount Olive Correctional Complex were confirmed as having the virus while 187 tests at the prison are pending.

A second round of tests was held at the maximum-security prison in Fayette County last week.

Earlier in August several inmates and staff in a prison housing unit tested positive for the virus, Gov. Jim Justice had said.

The virus usually results in only mild to moderate symptoms, but is particularly dangerous for the elderly and people with other health problems.

West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Cancels 1st Half Of Season

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced it is canceling the first half of its season this fall due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The cancellation affects the concerts scheduled for October through January. The organization hopes to resume with programs scheduled for February through May if possible.

President Joe Tackett said in a news release the orchestra has received support from patrons, donors and corporate, foundation and community partners for 81 years but expects the cancellations will have “a tremendous impact on the finances of the orchestra.”

The orchestra is looking into other options such as live streaming, according to a news release.

West Virginia Students Get Probation For COVID-19 Violations

Seventeen West Virginia University students have been placed on probation for conduct violations related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Office of Student Conduct made the decision following hearings for the students, the university said Wednesday in a statement.

An additional 15 students will undergo similar hearings and could face probation if found responsible, while another student with a history of repeated COVID-19 related violations could be suspended or expelled if found responsible, the statement said.

Classes on the Morgantown campus began Wednesday. Students began moving in earlier this month for the start of the fall semester. The university began identifying potential students involved in off-campus parties as part of an investigation into violations of health and safety policies.

“I want to thank the majority of our students who are doing the right things,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said.

Coronavirus Claims 9 More Senior Citizens In West Virginia

The toll on West Virginia’s older population during the coronavirus pandemic kept mounting with the reported deaths Thursday of nine senior citizens from six different counties.

One of the deadliest days yet during the virus outbreak pushed the number of deaths statewide to 199, an increase of 71% this month alone. West Virginia began the month of August with 116 deaths.

The deaths reported Thursday by the Department of Health and Human Resources included three residents of Logan County, two from Monroe County and one apiece from Clay, Fayette, Kanawha and Mercer counties.

The deaths were reported a day after West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice made yet another plea for residents to wear masks, keep their distances and self-quarantine upon returning from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a favorite vacation destination.

“We have got to be more careful for our elderly,” Justice said Wednesday.

The virus usually results in only mild to moderate symptoms, but is particularly dangerous for the elderly and people with other health problems.

West Virginia has the nation’s third-oldest population with nearly 20% of its 1.8 million residents over age 65.

Parties Lead To Hearings For 6 WVU Students

Six West Virginia University students have been identified as part of an investigation into off-campus parties that were held in violation of school…

Six West Virginia University students have been identified as part of an investigation into off-campus parties that were held in violation of school health and safety policies during the coronavirus pandemic.

The students face discipline hearings before the Office of Student Conduct, the university said in a news release. The hearings could lead to sanctions that include probation, suspension or expulsion.

“Students who think not wearing a mask one day or going to one party won’t make a difference, I can assure you that one decision can and will affect each of us,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said in a statement.

At least 107 West Virginia University students, faculty and staff have tested positive for the virus among about 19,300 tests given. Students must take the test before starting classes on campus.

In-person classes start Aug. 26 for freshmen, graduate and some professional students, while upperclassmen will start classwork online.

No Fans Allowed At WVU Football Opener Due To Pandemic

West Virginia’s season opener next month will be held without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic, the university announced Thursday.

The Mountaineers will face Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 12.

“We are disappointed that we will not be able to allow fans to attend the Sept. 12 home game, but we are working diligently to open our gates for Big 12 Conference play,” athletic director Shane Lyons said. “It is our goal to have fans at Milan Puskar Stadium this season, but right now, that is not possible for the EKU game.”

The school said in a statement that only essential game operations personnel and families of the players and football staff will be allowed to attend.

West Virginia’s Big 12 home opener is Oct. 3 against Baylor.

“Our primary collective University focus right now is on the start of classes and the safe return of our students to our WVU Campuses,” Lyons said. “I am hopeful that all of us will be aggressive in taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of this virus so that all parties can be comfortable allowing a percentage of fans to attend on Oct. 3 and beyond.”

In-person classes at West Virginia start on Aug. 26 for freshmen, graduate and some professional students, while upperclassmen will start classwork online. Masks must be worn on campus.

The Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference are among six Football Bowl Subdivision leagues proceeding with plans to play this fall during the pandemic. The Big Ten and Pac-12 announced Aug. 11 there would be no fall season in their conferences.