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Upshur Courthouse open for essential business only

BUCKHANNON — The Upshur County Commission called an emergency meeting by teleconference Monday morning after an increase of COVID-19 cases in the county in recent days.

Over the weekend, the number of positive COVID-19 cases jumped to 55 but was at 53 on Monday morning.

In the brief meeting, commissioners voted to open the Upshur County Courthouse and other county-owned and operated facilities for essential business only.

Commission president Terry Cutright said this would exclude the James W. Curry Library’s Virtual Learning Program which will remain open at this time.

Court hearings will continue as scheduled unless notification is otherwise provided by the courts, according to a press release.

The commission also voted to follow the West Virginia Department of Education school map which is updated at 5 p.m. on Saturday for future decisions relevant closures.

County administrator Carrie Wallace said she had spoken with the 26th Judicial Circuit Court judges who were also fine with that policy.

“If the schools go red, then you would also go red and close or limit access,” Wallace said.

The WVDE map changed Upshur to red from orange Sunday which the commission used to make their decision on Monday. The map was back to orange for Upshur on Monday. Upshur County Schools students are remote learning this week due to the orange status on Saturday.

Those needed to visit the courthouse should call ahead to determine if their business is essential. When visiting, court security offices will encourage the public to handle business by phone or online at www.upshurcounty.org if possible. Anyone showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 will be declined access.

Free COVID-19 testing is continuing at Buckhannon-Upshur High School in the parking lot today from noon to 6 p.m. and is available to all residents including asymptomatic individuals. Attendees should bring identification such as a driver’s license or proof of address to help in returning test results but proof of insurance is not required. Those under age 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

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