Recent Coronavirus Spikes And Listen To Shape-note Singing This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, the coronavirus pandemic has kept many people who would otherwise gather, away from one another including a group that takes part in shape-note singing. Also, in this show, we hear a conversation with an epidemiologist in Monongalia County who speaks to the county’s recent spike in coronavirus case numbers and how to tackle further spread.

When it comes to the coronavirus in West Virginia, all eyes in recent days have turned to Morgantown and Monongalia County. The area is seeing a sharp increase in the number of new cases driven mostly by the younger population. Given the rise in cases, Gov. Jim Justice said he is considering closing bars and indoor dining in the county. Reporter Dave Mistich spoke with Dr. Diane Gross, the regional epidemiologist at the Monongalia County Health Department about this new spike in cases, how the community has been reacting and what we can do to help public health officials get a handle on the virus.

Have you ever heard of shape-note singing? It’s a sacred, 300-year-old singing practice that has deep roots in Appalachia and the American South. Popular first in 18^th and 19^th century New England, shape-note singing relies on a group of people – basically what we’re told we shouldn’t be doing during this pandemic. In the latest episode of Inside Appalachia, folkways reporter Kelley Libby looks at how singers are adapting their tradition of shape-note singing.

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