COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice extends closure of Monongalia County bars for an additional 10 days

Community Bulletin

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center in Buckhannon is enrolling students in its commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program, an accelerated course that can be completed in five to seven weeks. Both daytime and limited evening sessions are available. Read more →

This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that he has issued an executive order​, extending the closure of all bars in Monongalia County for an additional 10 days.

View the order on the Governor’s website

“Monongalia County remains a hotspot and going to a bar is among the riskiest things that we can do at a time where we’re trying to contain this terrible virus,” Gov. Justice said. “We’ve seen some of our numbers across the state start to move in our favor just in the past day or so, but it’s absolutely crucial for us to see continued improvement in Monongalia County in the days ahead. It is our hope to be able to get these businesses reopened as soon as safety can be ensured for all.”

As of Thursday morning, July 23, more than 17.9 percent of West Virginia’s active cases were located in Monongalia County. Their 289 active cases are the highest total for any county statewide.

“At the end of the day, we need a little more time to see where our numbers are headed,” Gov. Justice said. “We cannot afford to make a wrong move and end up right back where we started or worse.”

Hank Ellis Insurance

The order was also requested by the Monongalia County Commission to help ensure the health and safety of citizens.

The order keeps all Monongalia County bars closed for the on-premises consumption of food or drinks or occupancy by the general public. However, customers will still be permitted to pick up food or drinks to be taken away.

The new order also allows patrons to be seated, for dining, at tables and bar tops within “bar areas” of restaurants, hotels, and other similar facilities, subject to the same limitations that are in place for restaurants. The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration will soon issue further guidance regarding this limitation to these facilities.

The new order extends the countywide bar closure, established under Executive Order 52-20, until Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at 12:01 a.m.

Local Businesses

Davis Health System
Davis Health System

Recent Stories

Mary Edith “Sally” Young Waddell

Mary Edith “Sally” Young Waddell, 83, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and formerly of Buckhannon, WV, passed away peacefully at her home on April 12, 2026. A retired educator, she leaves a legacy of warmth, kindness, and love. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 22.

Obituary Mary Edith “Sally” Young Waddell

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Upshur County’s Aug. 17-23 sports calendar features golf, soccer, volleyball, football and cross country. Highlights include Buckhannon-Upshur’s football scrimmage at Braxton County and Saturday’s home girls soccer match against Parkersburg.