West Virginia to allow youth sports with fans later this month

Last week West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said he will allow youth sports to resume games and have spectators in the stands this summer, continuing his plans to lift coronavirus restrictions. 

Justice said during a press briefing on Friday that low-contact youth sports teams can begin practicing on June 8. Games can resume on June 22 as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.

“What this means is we will be able to have, you know, a little league game provided we keep an absolute distance between the fans that are there,” Justice said.

Middle and high school students can also begin training on June 8, according to Justice. Sporting facilities for tennis and basketball courts will also reopen that day, with outdoor equestrian events to begin on June 22.

Justice said more specifics and safety guidelines will be released soon.