MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With a month before classes at West Virginia University are set to begin, Morgantown business owners are concerned about the possibility of businesses having to close for good because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Monongalia County Commission heard from multiple business owners during its Wednesday meeting who fear a coronavirus outbreak will happen once students return to campus.
Bars in Monongalia County remain closed as state health officials continue monitoring the area for positive cases. The state Department of Health and Human Resources has confirmed 406 active cases in the county as of Wednesday evening.
Louis Scotchel, the owner of Classics 3 Restaurant and Bar, said his business has operated for 40 years, but it cannot survive another shutdown.
“If you shut us down again, we’re done,” he said. “There’s no way we’re going to able to survive this.”
Steve Reese, who owns Mason Jar BBQ and Catering, told commissioners allowing students back to Morgantown will lead to a wave of cases.
“We’re afraid the governor is going to close us clear down when our numbers go up,” he said.
West Virginia University officials and state health leaders have held discussions about the start of the fall semester. Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom said everything will remain open for the foreseeable future.
West Virginia University’s fall semester is scheduled to begin Aug. 19.