MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia health officials will be keeping case numbers involving West Virginia University as part of Monongalia County’s data as the county remains red on the statewide county alert system map.
Gov. Jim Justice confirmed the stance during Tuesday’s coronavirus briefing, noting consultation with medical experts in making the decision.
“We know that WVU is part of the county,” he said. “As they move throughout the county with their students and staff, whatever it may be, they are part of the county.”
Monongalia County leads the state with a daily rate of 34.2 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people. The county’s red rating left high school football teams without games last Friday and students taking part in virtual lessons to start the school year.
Residents have voiced frustrations about off-campus parties and students not doing enough to limit the increase in cases. Twenty-nine West Virginia University students face suspension or expulsion from the institution after violating its coronavirus policies.
Justice said separating numbers between the university and the rest of Monongalia County poses a safety risk.
“I absolutely believe that would have been the wrong thing to do,” he said. “These people travel and move through our community in every way. They are part of our community.”
Monongalia County lawmakers opposed separating the university’s numbers from the county, citing how the institution is intertwined in the community.