CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Unlike many sporting events across the country, the first day of the girls basketball state tournament has gone on uninterrupted at the Charleston Coliseum.
Yet prior to Wednesday’s night session, the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission reminded those on hand to do their part to protect against COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
“The health of our students, educators, families and greater education community is of utmost importance to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission and the West Virginia Department of Education,” WVSSAC Executive Director Bernie Dolan said. “We want to insure that all of our schools’ athletic and school activities are enjoyable and safe. To protect against the spread of influenza and the coronavirus disease, we ask that everyone exercise best practices including:
- Staying home if you are sick;
- Coughing and sneezing into your elbow;
- Washing your hands regularly (at least 20 seconds each time); and
- Exercising awareness about good health practices to keep you and your family healthy.
There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in West Virginia. Earlier Wednesday, the World Health Organization formally declared coronavirus a worldwide pandemic.