WV and National Disaster News - April 18, 2022

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WEST VIRGINIA 
COVID
WV Daily COVID Update & Stats for April 18, 2022 (WV DHHR) - There have been 2 deaths reported since the last report (Friday, April 15, 2022), with a total of 6,796 deaths attributed to COVID-19. There are currently 479 active COVID-19 cases statewide.

• State's active COVID -19 cases rising (Elkins Intermountain)
• Fewer West Virginians utilizing state-run COVID-19 testing sites (State Journal News)

 
HOSPITALS & EMS

• West Virginia hospitals navigate supply chain issues (WV News)
• $10 million in ARPA funds allocated to help struggling EMS agencies (WV MetroNews)
• STAT steps in: Ambulance services in Monroe continue despite previous setbacks (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application period open in Marion County (WV MetroNews) - The Marion County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is offering to purchase homes in flood plain areas as part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
• Board takes oath as Parkersburg Police chief (Parkersburg News and Sentinel) 

NATIONAL 

COVID

• COVID-19 Cases Rising Again in US (Voice Of America News)
• FDA approves first COVID-19 breath test for emergency use (WTAJ)
• These COVID subvariants are spreading through the U.S. right now (Fortune)
• Around the nation: Biden administration renews Covid-19 public health emergency for 90 days (advisory)
• Philly stands alone on mask mandate (The Hill), also see: PhillyVoice
• OIG Issues Alert on FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program (Homeland Security)

Infectious Disease Threats

• With 'Far Worse' Threats Lurking, Plan Rallies Agencies to End Pandemics Within Decade (Homeland Security) - "Whether natural, accidental, or deliberate, infectious disease threats are increasing in frequency and severity," warns Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense."

 
WEATHER

• Nor'easter to bring late-April blast of winter (AccuWeather), also see: The Weat​​her Channel reports
• PM Update: Soaking rain and cool temperatures on Monday (The Washington Post)

OTHER

• More women are leading emergency responses but FEMA says industry diversity has 'a long way to go' (New York Post), also see: DataUSA.gov 
• Blackouts in Puerto Rico are a priority for Congress (El Nuevo - in Spanish)

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