CHARLESTON, W.Va.
(AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice unveiled an aggressive plan Monday
to reopen the state’s economy while loosening coronavirus testing
benchmarks without explanation.

The
Republican is moving to lift restrictions if the state’s positive test
rate stays below 3% for three days, a reversal of a previous goal to
have cases decline over two weeks.

“We’ve come up with a methodology that we think will move us forward with science and math behind it and experts behind it and leadership behind it,” Justice said without elaborating. A spokesman for the governor said more details would be released later Monday.

Coronavirus czar Clay Marsh, echoing guidelines from the White House, previously said
he wanted cases to decline for 14 consecutive days before virus rules
are eased. On Monday, he endorsed the governor’s plan, saying it meets
the goals set by the president. There have been no significant declines
in positive cases and 21 people have died in the last 10 days, according
to state health data.

The first week of the governor’s phased plan
is already in motion. Hospitals will resume performing elective
procedures as soon as this week and widespread testing of daycare
workers is underway to allow the childcare facilities to open as soon as
possible.

The
second week would involve the reopening of small businesses, outdoor
seating at restaurants as well as barber shops, nail salons and church
and funeral services. Then in weeks three to six, offices, hotels,
casinos, restaurants and other remaining businesses could open. Further
instructions on social distancing and rules for the businesses will be
set in the coming weeks.

The
strategy could slow or stop if there is an “unexpected increase” in
hospitalizations, community outbreaks or if the positive rate rises over
3%, according to the plan. Justice has not set a timeline on allowing
nursing home visitations or movie theaters, sporting events or concerts.

The Justice
administration did not set clear benchmarks on testing capacity, contact
tracing and safety equipment availability it wants to meet as part of
the reopening strategy.

The state health department reports around 1,000 people have tested positive for the virus after about 43,000 tests. Thirty-seven people have died in the state. Justice has ordered that staffers and residents of all nursing homes in the state be tested, which has dramatically boosted the number of people who have been screened for the virus.

For
most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such
as fever and cough that clear up within weeks. For some, especially
older adults and those with existing health problems, it can bring about
more severe illness, including pneumonia, and even death.

window[‘bsa_content_preview_only_267312’] = true;