Thomas Health furloughing 500
Thomas Health is furloughing 500 employees across it’s network in response to services being put on hold because of the coronavirus. Thomas Health filed for Chapter-11 bankruptcy protection in January.
Hundreds of furloughs at Mountain Health Network
Mountain Health Network is furloughing hundreds of staff members at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Cabell-Huntington Hospital. About one-thousand employees are affected, and 450 have seen a reduction in hours. Officials say the cancelation of elective surgeries has had a major impact on the hospital’s financial health. Two urgent care facilities have been temporarily closed. … Read more
60 positive COVID-19 cases in Kanawha County
Kanawha County has nearly 60 positive cases of COVID-19, and an infant has tested positive for the virus, and in a separate case, a pregnant woman has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Third West Virginian dies from COVID-19
COVID-19 has claimed the life of a third West Virginian. The 76-year-old man passed away at a Morgantown hospital. The man was a resident at Sundale Nursing Home, where more than 20 people contracted the virus two weeks ago.
Wearing a scarf or bandana isn’t a bad idea
The state’s newly appointed coronavirus czar says it’s not a bad idea to wear a mask if you are going out. Dr. Clay Marsh says a scarf or bandana will protect anyone around from catching the virus you might be carrying.
Gov. Justice says it’s too early to cancel school year
Governor Justice says he’s not ready to cancel school for the rest of the year. Schools are closed through April 30th. The Governor says there is value to getting kids back to school, even if it’s for two or three weeks.
WV gets a “D” in social distancing
A new study shows West Virginians are doing a poor job of social distancing. The Unacast study gives the state a “D” for a decrease in mobility and non-essential travel.
WV National Guard helping process unemployment claims
The West Virginia National Guard is helping process unemployment claims. More than 90-thousand new claims have been filed in the past two weeks. Crews are working 12-hour days, six days a week to catch up.
Pandemic forces Powerball to make changes
The Powerball lottery is making some change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 40-million-dollar minimum jackpot, and ten-million-dollar minimum increases are being eliminated, and the new jackpot will be based on ticket sales. The changes go into effect after tomorrow night’s drawing. Powerball sales are down over 40-percent in West Virginia.
Beckley VA doctor accused of sexually assaulting patients
A doctor at the VA Medical Center in Beckley is accused of sexually assaulting patients. More than thirty complaints have been issued against Dr. Jonathan Yates. He was taken into custody yesterday after a several month investigation.