In the past week, as the pandemic reached critical new levels, West Virginia set records for COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations and deaths here surpassed 900, Gov. Jim Justice did ⦠nothing.
That contrasts with his previous tacks. In March, the governor ordered a 10-week shutdown of all but essential businesses and activities. Twice, he has ordered bars closed in Monongalia County. As recently as Nov. 30, Justice contemplated ordering early closings at bars and clubs in counties bordering Pennsylvania and Ohio, where governors already have ordered early closing hours.
Within two days, Justice said he had no irrefutable evidence that bars and indoor dining are contributing to the spread of COVID-19. He echoed President Donald Trump, suggesting the economic harm caused by closures would be worse than the disease.