'Sheltering In Place' Not So Easy For West Virginians Experiencing Homelessness

On this West Virginia Morning, where homelessness has been an often-overlooked social challenge in the past, during a pandemic, it’s becoming a matter of increasing significance.

Utilities, natural gas companies and their workers in the resource-rich Ohio Valley are coming to terms with the impacts of COVID-19. Brittany Patterson has more.

With 16 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in West Virginia as of Sunday evening, medical professionals are worried about what may happen if an outbreak occurs amongst one of the state’s most vulnerable communities: those experiencing homelessness. Corey Knollinger has more.

Starting Monday, Jefferson County Schools are entering a stage three closure, meaning a total shutdown – and no staff are to report to work.

The county’s superintendent made the announcement on their website last Wednesday. Officials say the decision for a total shutdown, in large part, is due to Jefferson County being the first county in West Virginia to see a confirmed case of coronavirus.

But officials say they’ll still be doing everything they can to feed students.

Liz McCormick spoke with Joyce White, Jefferson County School’s Deputy Superintendent for Operations and Acting Director of Safety, via Skype to get more answers.

According to White, Jefferson County staff are still being paid during this stage three, total shutdown, closure period and have been offered telecommuting options to work from home.

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