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ELKINS -- Randolph County emergency officials have been told this will be a "peak week" in the coronavirus pandemic in West Virginia, it was announced during a conference call Monday.
Randolph County Office of Emergency Management Executive Director Cindy Hart recapped the OEM's Monday morning briefing with state officials for local leaders taking part in Monday afternoon's conference call.
"They keep telling us that this week (will) be a peak week and that this is going to be the worst week that West Virginia has seen, so we need to really use a lot of caution," Hart said. "Please stay at home if you don't need to be out, wash your hands, keep up social distancing."
As of Monday evening, Randolph County had seen three confirmed coronavirus cases, while statewide totals showed 324 confirmed cases and four deaths statewide.
During Monday's conference call, officials discussed how the state can enforce new restrictions during the pandemic.
"The West Virginia State Police are working with the governor's office about the non-essential businesses that remain open and (are) trying to figure out what they can do about those -- if they can just speak with them or, if it's actually going to be a charge, it's a misdemeanor of obstruction," Hart said.
Officials also discussed concerns regarding out-of-state individuals coming to this area to camp during the pandemic.
"I've been getting a lot of calls from constituents (...) who are very concerned about out-of-state folks coming in and camping -- not just because of the possible exposure but also because they're just dumping their trash along the roads now," said West Virginia House of Delegates member Cody Thompson, D-Randolph.
In response, Hart stated, "We can put DNR on that, and I'm sure they'll be right on that one."
"As far as the out-of-state, it's been a very troublesome topic. The state's not shut down, but we urge people not to come here or to basically bring their problems to West Virginians. There's nothing that the state police can do to make them not be here," she said.
Thompson then stated, "It's a little confusing from the directive from the governor -- to quarantine for 14 days -- but we don't have the resources with our law enforcement or anyone to make sure that those people are self-quarantining; it's just not possible."
Hart said the police may make contact with out-of-staters who have come to the area to camp if they are seen in public spaces or not otherwise practicing self-quarantine.
"I believe it was a misdemeanor obstruction if they are not following the directive, and they can be either escorted out or put to jail if they (don't) comply," Hart said.
Hart also noted that the Red Cross is in need of blood donations.
"They've lost 375,000 donations of blood because of corona," she said, adding that those who are healthy and wish to donate blood should contact the Red Cross.
During the meeting, Bonnie Woodrum, an infectious disease specialist with the Randolph-Elkins Health Department, said that in Randolph County 77 people had been tested for COVID-19, while three positive cases had been confirmed, 63 tests had returned negative and 11 were still pending.
To receive Nixle emergency alerts directly from the Randolph County OEM, text 26241 to 888777.
As of Monday, confirmed coronavirus cases in our region included three in Tucker County, two in Barbour, two in Hardy, one in Upshur and one in Pendleton. No cases had yet been confirmed in Grant or Pocahontas counties.
Look for updates on COVID-19 statistics and information in future editions of The Inter-Mountain.