WV and National Disaster News - January 3, 2023

WEST VIRGINIA

COVID & FLU
WV Daily COVID Update & Stats for January 3, 2023 (WV DHHR) - There were no deaths reported to DHHR over the last 24 hours, and the total deaths remain at 7,672 attributed to COVID-19. There are currently 1,439 active COVID-19 cases statewide.

• Flu and COVID-19 rates continue to climb in West Virginia  (The Exponent Telegram)
• Harpers Ferry Park requires masks due to high COVID-19 level  (The Associated Press)

Cybersecurity

• OPINION: TikTok, Communist China present threat to American privacy, security  (The Parkersburg News and Sentinel)

Infrastructure

• Gov. Jim Justice seeing red with electric grid operators in West Virginia  (WCBC-Radio)
• West Virginia Public Service Commission approves surcharge  (The Parkersburg News and Sentinel)

 
Mine Disaster Remembered

• 17 years later, Sago Mine disaster and its impact on mining safety recalled  (The Exponent Telegram)
• Remembering the Sago Mine disaster that killed 12 West Virginians  (WOWK-TV)

Water Issues

• Progress reported in Raleigh County water issues  (MetroNews-Radio)
• Water problems from deep freeze in Raleigh County continue, prompting school closures  (WCHS-TV)
• Western Raleigh County could be without water for several more days  (MetroNews-Radio)
• Raleigh County Sheriff's Office supplies community with drinking water amid county-wide water crisis  (WVVA-TV) 

 
NATIONAL NEWS

COVID

• Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 could drive new Covid-10 surge in US (CNN)

• Northern Arizona tribe to get federal aid for flood damage (Associated Press)
• Winter Storm Hudson Spreading Snow, Ice and Strong Winds into Plains, Midwest (The Weather Channel)
• FEMA deadline for Hurricane Ian assistance is Thursday of next week (WUSF Public Media – Florida) 
• Second quake in two weeks sends Northern California back to response mode (CNN)