WV and National Disaster News - December 21, 2021

12/21/2021

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WEST VIRGINIA

Government

WV Daily COVID Update & Stats for December 21, 2021 (WV DHHR) - There have been 20 deaths reported since the last report (yesterday 12-20-21), with a total of 5,211 deaths attributed to COVID-19. DHHR has confirmed the deaths of an 87-year old male from Randolph County, a 62-year old male from Logan County, an 81-year old male from Gilmer County, and an 85-year old female from Harrison County. Included in the total deaths reported on the dashboard as a result of the Bureau for Public Health’s continuing data reconciliation with the official death certificate are a 68-year old male from Morgan County, an 80-year old female from Grant County, a 63-year old female from Fayette County, a 64-year old male from Preston County, a 53-year old male from Wood County, a 69-year old female from Mercer County, an 87-year old male from Raleigh County, a 59-year old female from Jefferson County, a 51-year old male from Putnam County, a 77-year old female from Grant County, a 68-year old male from Mingo County, a 65-year old male from Mineral County, a 69-year old male from Pocahontas County, a 59-year old male from Marion County, a 52-year old male from Monongalia County, and a 73-year old female from Randolph County. These deaths range from October through December 2021.

“We send our sincere condolences to these families for their profound loss,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “The COVID vaccine is safe, effective, readily available and free. Please schedule your COVID vaccine or booster today.”

Local

W.Va. Hospital Association outlines grim holiday outlook due to COVID (WSAZ Charleston)

WVU School of Nursing helps guide West Virginia hospitals through nursing staff shortages during COVID-19 (WV News)

Family of man killed in Belle chemical explosion files wrongful death suit (West Virginia Record)

How Black Communities Become “Sacrifice Zones” for Industrial Air Pollution (Mountain State Spotlight)

NATIONAL NEWS

COVID

Omicron becomes dominant variant in the U.S accounting for 73% of infections (CBS News)

Surgeon General Murthy says the U.S. has more tools now to fight COVID (NPR)

NHL is first league to hit pause over COVID surge (USA Today)

Biden to announce free COVID tests, more aid for hospitals to deal with omicron (NPR), also see Politico and USA Today.

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Protect Americans and Help Communities and Hospitals Battle Omicron (White House)