MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Spiking infections and hints from the governor about extending the bar closure in Monongalia County have many in the community concerned about the approaching last summer and fall.
Morgantown Area Partnership President and CEO Russ Rogerson said Tuesday businesses want to responsibly reopen and they will be watching for what Gov. Jim Justice says next about bars in Monongalia County, possibly as early as during Wednesday’s coronavirus briefing at the state capitol.
“As a businessman you want your business open, but more importantly we want people safe,” Rogerson said during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.” “I’m not sure what his decision will be, we’ll support that whatever it may be, but we do need to focus on being responsible.”
The ban began early last week.
Russ Rogerson, President and CEO of the @MgtnPartnership speaks with @HoppyKercheval about businesses in Morgantown working to make it through COVID-19. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIRZCB pic.twitter.com/dVK5mX8MFc
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) July 21, 2020
As cases have continued to climb area residents have learned to follow the guidelines, take precautions and use good judgment when traveling or going out to a restaurant, Rogerson said.
“We realize that this is a balance of health versus businesses and if we don’t take this seriously and follow the guidelines the medical experts have put out for us it’s going to prolong our ability to open our economy up,” Rogerson said.
Some business owners believe the full return of WVU students in the next month will drastically increase COVID-19 cases in the community. Rogerson said after meeting with WVU officials and reviewing their plans for testing, disinfection, hygiene and quarantine contingencies he’s optimistic the virus can be controlled.
“We’ve been in discussions with West Virginia University and they are taking this very seriously,” Rogerson said. “I think they’ve put together some excellent plans of how they’re going to bring the students back and I’m confident they are doing their best to get the testing done.”
Morgantown City Council approved a mask ordinance last week. It includes a penalty of up to $500 for non-compliance. According to Rogerson, following rules, social distancing, hand washing, masks and cough/sneeze etiquette will not only allow businesses to reopen but it will prevent further damage to the local small business economy.
“They have the financial to open and close,” Rogerson said. “I think the longer this prolongs the more damage you’ll see in the small business world.”
Rogerson said permanent and part-time resident have equal responsibility to help pull us out of the current spike in coronavirus cases.
“Residents, students and everybody has to take this serious enough and respectfully enough to understand we must play our part in a way that allows us all to have more freedoms in order to be able to go places and see people,” he said.