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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice revamped his mask order on Friday to make it mandatory for people to wear masks when they are in public buildings other than their homes at all times, not just when social distancing is not possible.

The governor also announced that all winter sports will be moved to Jan. 11, and any of those sports that have already started practice such as girls’ basketball will cease immediately. Youth sports also are included. He said fall sports will be allowed to complete their season.

Justice also announced that there will no in-person school for students from the Thursday of Thanksgiving until the following Thursday. Justice said medical experts believe the seven-day period will allow a reduction in the chances of spread from family holiday gatherings. This will apply to both public and private schools.

All band festivals also are canceled, along with concert band festivals.

As far as the mask requirement, Justice said the revamped policy will go into effect Saturday at midnight.

The only exception to the mask requirement is when people are eating and drinking. Businesses will be required to post signs. Justice said the tighter restrictions do not apply to kids under the age of 9 years old or anyone who has a legitimate breathing problem or who is unable to remove a mask on their own.

Justice issued this warning – if businesses don't step up and make customers wear masks, the next step will be a shutdown of businesses. If someone challenges a business about wearing a mask, the governor advised the business to call the police. Anyone who tries to enter a business without wearing a mask or a business that is not complying are obstructing justice, he said.

"I'm calling for all business owners and managers to step and make sure everyone in these businesses is wearing a face covering all the time in these buildings," he said.

Justice said more stringent action will be coming if it doesn't work.

"To our business owners, I'm telling you straight up as straight up as I can be - the next thing that follows, and you know what that is - is the shutting down of businesses," he said.

The governor's latest actions comes as coronavirus numbers have been escalating across the state at a rapid rate. The death total has climbed to 565, and the positive test rate has spiked to 3.14%. Hospitalizations are now at a record 339, with 104 in intensive care - another record.

After talking about the tougher restrictions, Justice gave an impassioned message to residents.

"West Virginia, it's just as simple as this. None of want to do more with the restrictions, the rules, the closures, the postponements, the delays and all of that. None of us want to do more. We want to live our lives and go on about what we do. But West Virginia, this is getting bad, and it's getting worse all across our land, especially across our country. And West Virginia you are the oldest, the most chronically ill, and I love you. I love you with all of my soul. And I absolutely want nothing but good for you, and I want you to be protected," Justice said.

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