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How COVID-19 Affects Kids And A Look At Water Quality In Natural Springs

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On this West Virginia Morning, should we be worried about our kids and grandkids catching COVID-19? The short answer, according to experts, is it’s unclear. We get into the long answer of this question in this show. Also, we hear local reports in government and energy, and we learn about some natural springs in Southwest Virginia that may not be as clean as residents thought.

Last week, Twitter temporarily blocked the Trump campaign from using its platform, over a tweet that linked to a video in which President Trump made false claims about COVID-19. The video was from an interview on Fox News, in which Trump claimed that children are “almost immune from this disease.” This controversy occurred in the midst of an increasingly politicized debate over whether to reopen schools this fall, and whether it’s safe for children to attend in person, or virtually.

Doctors and pediatric experts have concluded that children are at risk of developing serious health conditions if they are exposed to COVID-19, even though their risk is not as serious as older people. Roxy Todd spoke with two West Virginia doctors who specialize in infectious diseases in children to get their take on the risks, and what advice they have for parents.  

Nearly five months into West Virginia’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Jim Justice said Monday his administration needs to develop another round of plans to test vulnerable populations and children. The governor also said the state is ready and willing to disperse additional unemployment benefits after President Trump signed an executive order extending those benefits. Dave Mistich reports.

A major Ohio Valley coal producer said it will speed up its exit from producing coal used to generate electricity. As Brittany Patterson reports, Contura Energy said the move is tied to the ongoing global transition away from fossil fuels.

Southwest Virginia is rich with natural springs. People have long visited for the mineral baths. But there’s also a long history of people who live there and get their drinking water from these natural springs. But as Robbie Harris reports, a new study finds 80 percent of springs surveyed are contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria.

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

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