Gary Tannenbaum, owner of the Blue Moose on Walnut Street in downtown Morgantown, is not yet concerned about West Virginia University’s decision to switch classroom instruction to online, or alternative learning options, starting March 30 as a precautionary measure against the novel coronavirus.
“What else can you do? Morgantown is a melting pot,” he said.
WVU announced it was temporarily suspending in-person classes because of the growing threat of COVID-19
But, Tannenbaum and his 10 employees have become increasing vigilant about washing their hands and wiping down tables, counters and chairs.
They also no longer will refill traveler’s cups and no longer have pitchers of water available for customers. Starbucks and other coffee venders have taken similar actions.
So far there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia, one of a dozen states where there have been no positive novel coronavirus cases.
WVU officials want to keep it that way, especially with the school going on spring break next week.
“As this unprecedented and rapidly changing public health situation evolves, we will contact you frequently to keep you informed about every development,” WVU President Gordon Gee said in a letter to the WVU community.
“While we know these steps are necessary, we also know the heart of the university experience is the exchange of ideas that occur in our classrooms and on our campuses every day. We are disrupting this process only in an effort to keep our WVU community safe,” Gee said.
Across Walnut Street from the Blue Moose is TK’s Bubble Tea, Vegetarian & Vegan Products, owner KD Kumaravelam was getting a buffet ready for the lunch rush on Wednesday.
“These online classes may or may not affect us,” said Kumaravelam, adding the restaurant has strong community support.
“But I may have to cut back on some things.”
Next door at Hoot and Howl gift store, owner Stephanie Swaim said her clientele is a mix of students and locals. March, she said, is typically a slow month for her store and retail in general.
“Some people have been panicking,” said Swaim, adding she washes her hands all of the time.
“It’s kind of like the flu,” she said. “I am not panicked, but it is going to happen. Stay healthy and keep your hands clean.”
Wael Shanab, owner of the Salam Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Café on High Street, said WVU’s temporary move to online learning could mean a drop in sales. If this happens, then Shanab said he could see cutting back the hours the restaurant is open.
“I admit I am worried.”
Allie Klinger, who was behind the bar Wednesday afternoon at Gibbie’s Pub & Eatery on High Street, said the fact students don’t have to go to classes could be a boom for the bar business.
On a related note, WVU also cancelled its Academic Media Day, scheduled for March 30. But Michael Fragale, WVU Athletics senior associate director, said COVID-19 concerns have not impacted team travel plans.
Separately, the novel coronavirus can now be found in more than 100 countries, prompting the World Health Organization to call it a global health emergency. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there are now 78 state and local public health labs across the country that have the capacity to test up to 75,000 people for COVID-19.
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Morgantown Area News
'Thursday, April 18, 2024'
