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COVID-19 Info
Dear friends of Visit Mercer County,
As we enter the late fall season, we continue to work together to provide a safe and healthy experience in Mercer County and the rest of the Mountain State.
Whether its waterfall chasing or a trip to the Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails, Mercer County’s outdoor locations are open to visitors and residents. Take a trip to Camp Creek State Park, bring your RV to one our RV resorts, or learn about the famous Lake Shawnee Amusement Park.
Explore our shop local page to find unique gift items, discover great restaurants and learn about the culture of our downtowns in Princeton and Bluefield. The historical town of Bramwell is open for visitors as well. We welcome back many of our festivals and events – including the 2021 Christmas Tour of homes in Bramwell.
West Virginia is a great place for a road trip, or a mid-week escape. Our rural landscape offers reflection, solitude and wide open spaces. Help us maintain health and safety by following the CDC guidelines and West Virginia guidelines.
Thank You,
Jamie Null
UPDATE: JUNE 20, 2021
On Sunday, June 20, 2021, Gov. Justice announced that he has signed an executive order, officially lifting West Virginia’s Statewide Indoor Face Covering Requirement for all residents, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings must still be worn where required by federal law. Additionally, any private business or school system can still require individuals to wear a face covering. With the State now open, and all businesses and activities allowed, guidance documents particular to various types of businesses and other entities are no longer required.
UPDATE: MARCH 5, 2021
The capacity limit for all restaurants and bars has been increased to 100% of their seating capacity. This change applies only if social distancing can be maintained between groups that arrive and sit together. Bars may only increase capacity to the extent that they have physical seating for every patron. No standing room for people to congregate will be allowed. These businesses must still continue to follow all applicable safety guidelines, including, but not limited to, mandatory face coverings and social distancing.
All previous capacity limitations for small businesses, retail stores, and grocery stores have been lifted. These businesses must still continue to follow all applicable safety guidelines, including, but not limited to, mandatory face coverings and social distancing.
The limit for all purely social gatherings has been increased to 100 individuals. The limitation does not apply to any activity, business, or entity that has been deemed essential, such as religious services, weddings, group meetings, conferences, or other special events held for essential businesses and operations. Those partaking in such purely social gatherings must continue to social distance, wear face coverings, and follow all other applicable safety guidelines. For more information on executive orders and vaccine rollouts, visit the Governor’s website.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2020
The Governor of West Virginia has broadened indoor face coverings in the State of West Virginia. Face coverings must be worn at all times indoors. All tourism businesses must post signage for customers and ensure that mask requirements are met by all. To read the complete executive order, visit www.governor.wv.gov.
UPDATE: JUNE 4, 2020
The Governor of West Virginia anticipates that out-of-state camping can resume on June 10, 2020. Campers are limited to seven-day reservation. Fairs and festivals are also slated to begin on July 1, 2020. Other updates include the opening of casinos and movie theaters on June 5, 2020.
UPDATE: MAY 11, 2020
Reopenings for May 21 in West Virginia include restaurant dining rooms at 50 percent capacity, with certain guidelines. Also, state parks campgrounds will open to in-state residents. State park lodges and cabins will open to in-state residents on May 26. Both state and private campgrounds remain closed to out-of-state residents.
UPDATE: MAY 8, 2020
The Governor of West Virginia announced that the Hatfield-McCoy Trails will open on May 21, 2020. All welcome centers, trailhead facilities and bathrooms will remain closed. The guidelines for riders and lodging providers can be found on at www.governor.wv.gov. Riders coming into the area can use our local dining guide to find curbside, outdoor dining and delivery options.
UPDATE: APRIL 27, 2020
The Governor of West Virginia unveiled West Virginia Strong – The Comeback, a plan to reopen businesses shut down during COVID-19. The Governor will make formal annoucements regarding each phase of reopening the state, which includes our Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails, state parks and more. As West Virginia begins this journey, please visit www.governor.wv.gov.
MARCH 2020 CLOSURES
As with many of you, we are monitoring developments of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on travel and hospitality.
Our visitor center is closed to the public, but we remain focused on delivering information to our visitors and our hometown friends and family.
As of March 17, the Governor of West Virginia has limited full-service in all restaurants and bars. Gift cards, carry-out and delivery options are available at this time.
As of March 20, the Governor of West Virginia has closed the Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trails and all state park lodges. However, the parks are open for hiking and walking, while still following social-distance.
All recreational facilities, gyms, salons, spas and attractions have closed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As of March 23, the Governor of West Virginia has issued a stay-at-home order for all West Virginia residents.
On March 30, the Governor closed all West Virginia State Park Campgrounds. Private campgrounds are closed to out-of-state guests. Recreational areas remain open, but please practice social distancing guidelines. For more information, visit governor.wv.gov
To our visitors, we love our piece of #Almostheaven and can’t wait to share it with you when this health threat has passed!
To our hometown friends, you are the people that make Mercer County a great place to live, work and visit. Get outside, explore the waterfalls, walk a trail and enjoy home. #visitmercerwv
To stay up-to-date on WV travel advisories, visit www.wvtourism.com/travel-alert.
