| West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said indoor malls will be allowed to reopen Thursday, May 21, and the openings for a number of other businesses were announced for next week as the restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic in the state continue to be relaxed.
At a news conference Monday, Justice said week five of the stateâs phased-in reopening plan, âWest Virginia Strong, The Comebackâ will begin Tuesday, May 26, when state park cabins and lodges will be allowed to open for in-state residents only. Indoor and outdoor bars at 50 percent capacity, museums, visitors centers and zoos also will be allowed to open on that date.
âStarting on Tuesday gives us a little more time to prepare and time to pause on Memorial Day in respect of those we have lost,â Justice said.
On Saturday, May 30, the governor said limited video lottery retailers will be allowed to reopen along with spas and massage businesses. Casinos will be allowed to reopen on Friday, June 5, with strict guidance to keep players safe, Justice said.
The latest openings were announced as the state entered its fourth week of the phase-in plan. On Monday, May 18, gyms, health clubs and fitness centers were given the green light to reopen.
On Thursday, May 21, the following are allowed to resume operations: indoor dining at restaurants, at 50 percent capacity, large specialty retail stores, whitewater rafting, ziplining, state park campgrounds for in-state residents, outdoor recreation rentals such as kayaks, bicycles, boats, rafts, canoes, ATVs and similar equipment, outdoor motorsports and powerboat racing with no spectators and the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system.
In other matters, the governor also announced that the remaining counties on the original 11-county hot spot list - Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Jefferson and Berkley counties - have been removed. There are no longer any counties on the list.
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