Gov. Justice Announces First Coronavirus Case In W.Va.

On this West Virginia Morning, we’ll talk to an author and playwright who has thought a lot about how growing up in our region shapes what we become. We’ll also bring you the latest headlines on coronavirus in West Virginia.

In an address to the public Tuesday evening, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced the state’s first confirmed case of the coronavirus, as well as the closing of some businesses to combat the spread of the disease. Justice urged residents not to panic as the state continues to respond to the pandemic that’s so far stricken more than 4,200 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dave Mistich reports.

Work is underway in West Virginia to develop tests for coronavirus. Kara Lofton spoke with one expert and has this update.

On a recent episode of Inside Appalachia, we explore the benefits of getting outdoors, and tapping into our love of the wild. Appalachian writer Silas House argues that too many people around the world are losing their connection with nature. In much of his work, the author and playwright celebrates the natural world, rural places and people. He recently wrote an article in The Atlantic, responding to the lack of media attention that he saw after parts of central Appalachia faced catastrophic flooding last month. Brittany Patterson spoke with him and she began by asking him to read the first part of his essay.

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