The north side of the Capitol in Charleston is being prepared for today’s inauguration of the governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, auditor, agriculture commissioner and Supreme Court justices to take the oath of office. Attendance is restricted because of the pandemic and other security protocols. (Photo by Steven Allen Adams)

CHARLESTON — Inaugural ceremonies will be held this afternoon at the Capitol in Charleston where the governor and other constitutional officers will take the oath of office.

Ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. on the North Side of the Capitol and will include the swearing in of Gov. Jim Justice, Secretary of State Mac Warner, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Treasurer Riley Moore, Auditor J.B. McCuskey, Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt and Supreme Court Justices Tim Armstead, John A. Hutchison and William Wooton.

Traditionally, the inauguration is held on the South Side of the Capitol facing the Kanawha River, but was changed because of pandemic and security reasons.

Justice, a two-term Republican, will deliver an inaugural address after taking the oath of office.

Because of COVID-19 and security protocols, attendance to the inauguration will be limited to dignitaries, families of those being sworn in, reporters and invited guests, the governor’s office said.

The inauguration will be streamed live online at:

* YouTube: https://youtu.be/5e0Y17av8D8

* Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WVGovernor

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wvgovernor

The ceremony also will be broadcast live on the West Virginia Channel. In the Parkersburg area, the channel is 12, 137 and 138 on Suddenlink and 6, 81 and 8 on CAS.

A limited number of seats for the general public were available until Wednesday. Only those whose names appear on the guest list will be granted entry.

Parking for guests will be provided at the Capitol Complex. Guests will use the Capitol entrance at the intersection of Washington Street East and Greenbrier Street and will be directed to the appropriate lot.

Guests upon arrival will be required to check in. Approaching from the west side of the complex, guests should pass the War Memorial and use the sidewalk between Building 3 and the Culture Center to reach the check-in and security screening stations.

In accordance with the most recent guidelines and best practices recommended by health professionals regarding COVID-19, all attendees will be required to properly wear a face covering and maintain adequate social distancing. Additional safety measures will be implemented to help safeguard the health and well-being of all participants and attendees.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, there will not be a receiving line following the ceremony and some Inauguration Day traditions and performances held in years past may be scaled down, removed or altered in the interest of safety.