City of Morgantown Orders NO Gatherings in Residential Areas

Morgantown, West Virginia – Morgantown has been a hotspot in the state of West Virginia for the coronavirus and today, the City of Morgantown has taken a strong measure to prevent the continued spread of the virus.

A new order from the City of Morgantown goes into effect tonight (9/10) that prohibits parties and social gatherings at residential units, including their yards and parking lots.  This order is in place for certain areas of the city.

According to the release from the City of Morgantown, “Since the adoption of Emergency Ordinance, the rate of COVID-19 infection in Monongalia County has increased from 17.86 per 100,000 people to 37.33 per 100,000 people, and Monongalia County is now designated “red” on Governor Justice’s County Alert System. The increase in infections has coincided with numerous reports of large student gatherings failing to observe mask requirements and social distancing protocols.”

While West Virginia University has prohibited on-campus parties, the City of Morgantown is now stepping in to prevent parties off-campus as well.  As outlined in the release, violators will be punished for not following the order:  “Any violation of this Article shall be deemed a public nuisance subject to summary abatement by the Chief of Police, or other law enforcement officer, including the Fire Marshal and deputy fire marshals. In addition, any violation shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no less than $25.00 and no more than $500.00. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.”