WHO: Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, City of Beckley and West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech)
WHEN: Friday, July 24, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Word Park, Neville Street, Beckley, WV
WHAT: The City of Beckley and WVU Tech are collaborating with the Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in support of the #WearAMask campaign. Launched in May by the Chamber and Dr. Ayne Amjad, the initiative encourages people in the region to take personal responsibility in their efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This press event will reiterate the importance of specifically wearing face coverings to support the community, economy, health and well-being of the citizens of the region.
Michelle Rotellini, Executive Director of the Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce shared, “If the virus continues to spread, it further impacts our citizens and our economy. We must all do our part to make our public areas, stores, restaurants and institutions as safe as possible. Protecting our nose and mouth with a face covering coupled with frequent hand washing and social distancing will help prevent the spread of coronavirus which is a necessary component to moving the economy forward.”
“Wearing a face covering helps us be safe and will allow us to safely work, learn, grow and connect this fall and beyond,” said WVU Tech Campus President Carolyn Long. “We’re requiring face coverings on campus this fall and we want our campus and regional community to work together to keep each other safe and healthy.”
Mayor Rappold thanked Dr. Amjad for initiating this work. “This collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership and care of Dr. Ayne Amjad, who started this campaign months ago. Her work to establish testing access for area citizens and her commitment to the health of the community are to be commended. We wish her the best in her new role as the State Health Officer and appreciate all that she does to support the health and well-being of West Virginians,” he said.
MEDIA ATTENDANCE NOTICE: We ask that all media representatives in attendance wear a face covering and do interviews distantly (at least 6 feet). All organization representatives will be wearing face covers during the press event and during interviews. Please plan for that when preparing for interviews and being able to gain access to sound safely. We will not permit lapel mics. These measures are being taken to keep media contacts and organization representatives safe and distant.
-WVU Tech-
jwc/7/23/2020
CONTACT:
Jen Wood Cunningham
Director, University Relations
304.561.8030; jennifer.wood@mail.wvu.edu
