All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases jumps to 39 in West Virginia on Tuesday

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources reported that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state increased to 39 on Tuesday, a jump of 19 over Monday’s number.

Monongalia County saw the biggest increase, with a total of 16 confirmed cases now in that county. Many of those came from a nursing home where several residents and staff members tested positive, according to a previous story.

Overall, the state has tested 798 people since the pandemic began.

“The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources today confirmed 19 new cases of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state, making the total positive case count at 39,” the DHHR said in a press release Tuesday evening. “New cases were identified in Berkeley, Harrison, Jackson, Monongalia, Preston and Wood counties.”

The county totals break down like this: Berkeley (2), Harrison (3), Jackson (2), Jefferson (3), Kanawha (4), Marshall (2), Mercer (2), Monongalia (16), Preston (1), Putnam (1), Tucker (2) and Wood (1).

“As of March 24, 2020, at 8 p.m., 798 residents have been tested for COVID-19, with 39 positive, 759 negative and six tests pending (at the state lab),” according to the release. “These numbers include positive and negative tests from the state’s public health lab, commercial labs and hospitals.”

Worldwide, the number of confirmed cases topped 400,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins. More than 18,600 people have died.

In the U.S., the number of positive results broke 50,000 on Tuesday and reached 53,740 by late evening. Only China (81,591) and Italy (69,176) have more confirmed cases.

For the most up to date information, please visit www.coronavirus.wv.gov or http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.

Skinner delivers hopeful State of the City on Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary

Mayor Robbie Skinner marked Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary with an optimistic State of the City address highlighting progress across city departments. He emphasized major infrastructure work, including a $47 million water treatment project, and looked ahead to continued improvements and the 84th WV Strawberry Festival.

Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner’s full 2026 State of the City address

In remarks delivered Jan. 15, 2026, Mayor Robbie Skinner marks Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary and outlines the city’s progress in 2025. He highlights major water, sewer, street, engineering, police and fire initiatives—plus what’s ahead for 2026.

Larry Dale VanGilder

Larry Dale VanGilder, 77, a French Creek native, Army veteran and former mine security guard who loved hunting, fishing, sci‑fi and his pets, died January 15, 2026, and will be memorialized by family and military honors.

Local Rotary club expands soft-plastics recycling drop-off sites in Upshur County

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur has added more drop-off locations for its soft-plastics recycling project, keeping thousands of pounds out of local landfills. The effort helps fund balers and inclusive playground equipment made from recycled materials.

WVWC Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development to host Community Labs on fundraising, marketing

WVWC’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development is hosting free Community Labs to help local nonprofits, mission-driven groups, and businesses strengthen fundraising and marketing.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: January 20, 2026

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting January 20, 2026, and this notice outlines the agenda for that session.

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau seeking executive director

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau is hiring an executive director to lead tourism development, marketing and community engagement.