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COVID-19: The Latest

Hancock County Schools opts for hybrid education model

NEW CUMBERLAND — When Hancock County students return to school on Sept. 8, they will be spending part of their time in the classroom and part of it learning from home. The Hancock County Board of Education Monday approved a recommendation from Superintendent Dawn Petrovich to begin the school year with a “blended” learning scenario. Under the plan, students’ attendance for in-person instruction would be done alphabetically, with those whose last names begin with the letters A through K attending Monday and Tuesday, and letters L through Z in class Thursday and Friday. “We ...

West Virginia sees decrease in new coronavirus cases

CHARLESTON — West Virginia is starting to track with other states that are seeing decreases in coronavirus positive cases, though outbreaks in nursing homes have sent death rates in the state upward. The number of positive cases between July 27 and Sunday was 1,704, which is a 6 percent ...

Free COVID-19 testing slated at West Liberty University

WEST LIBERTY — West Liberty University is working with the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department to provide free, on-campus COVID-19 testing for its students and employees prior to the beginning of the school year. No appointments will be taken, and officials say there will be no need to self quarantine following the tests; however, everyone is urged to wear a mask, limit community activity and practice good sanitation prior to receiving their test results. The testing clinics will be held on the main floor of the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex at the following ...

Job gains slow, indicating resurgent virus is holding back economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States added 1.8 million jobs in July, a pullback from the gains of May and June and evidence that the resurgent coronavirus has weakened hiring and the economic rebound. At any other time, hiring at that level would be seen as a blowout gain. But after ...

Last-ditch coronavirus aid talks bear no fruit

WASHINGTON (AP) — A last-ditch effort by Democrats to revive Capitol Hill talks on vital COVID-19 rescue money collapsed in disappointment Friday, making it increasingly likely that Washington gridlock will mean more hardship for millions of people who are losing enhanced jobless benefits and further damage for an economy pummeled by the still-raging coronavirus. President Donald Trump said Friday night he was likely to issue more limited executive orders related to COVID, perhaps in the next day or so, if he can’t reach a broad agreement with Congress. The day’s negotiations ...

Laid-off workers lament loss of extra $600 in unemployment aid

An unemployed makeup artist with two toddlers and a disabled husband needs help with food and rent. A hotel manager says his unemployment has deepened his anxiety and kept him awake at night. A dental hygienist, pregnant with her third child, is struggling to afford diapers and ...