Officials Urge West Virginians To Reconsider Beach Plans Following Outbreak Linked To Myrtle

Officials are urging vacation-goers to rethink upcoming travel and get tested for the coronavirus if they have visited Myrtle Beach. In today’s virtual press briefing, officials said more new coronavirus cases have been linked to recent trips there.

Commissioner for public health Dr. Kathy Slemp called the Myrtle Beach cases a “significant issue.” She said 25-30 cases have been identified in 5 counties, and that people returning to West Virginia from “high risk” areas, meaning places with lots of cases, should get tested and take precautions such as self-quarantining until results come back. 

Coronavirus Czar Dr. Clay Marsh said people should take particular caution with attending church services. A second church in Greenbrier County has experienced a small cluster of outbreaks. That outbreak, officials said, was linked to exposure to people from the first church. 

Despite the increase in cases, Governor Justice said West Virginia will continue with its reopening plan and announced that in-person graduation ceremonies can continue as scheduled. He also issued a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, in honor of June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with support from Marshall Health and Charleston Area Medical Center.