Gov. Jim Justice has issued an executive order that will allow more West Virginians affected by the coronavirus to receive unemployment benefits. The order follows the closure of many businesses that have forced thousands of layoffs.

The executive order directs the West Virginia Department of Commerce and WorkForce West Virginia to provide unemployment benefits to those affected by COVID-19 to the maximum extent permitted under federal law.

Those who are separated from employment or have had their hours of employment reduced as a result of the ongoing outbreak are eligible for these benefits, according to the Governor’s order.

That includes people whose medical conditions related to COVID-19 prevent them from working, as well as those who cannot work because of communicable disease control prevention methods.

The changes outlined in this order will remain in place throughout the duration of the Governor’s state of emergency declaration related to COVID-19.

West Virginians applying for unemployment benefits are being told not to go to a local unemployment office. Instead, they should apply online or by phone at 1-800-252-JOBS.