WV and National Disaster News - June 3, 2021

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West Virginia

Government News

WV Daily COVID Update and Stats for June 3, 2021 (WVDHHR)

DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 75-year old female from Monongalia County, a 69-year old female from Tyler County, a 66-year old male from Raleigh County, a 67-year old male from Harrison County, a 61-year old male from Tyler County, a 64-year old female from Harrison County, and a 49-year old male from Raleigh County.

“We offer our deepest condolences as our state grieves more losses,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “We must stop COVID-19 by working toward increased vaccination for community immunity in West Virginia.” 

Local NEWS

• SBA has loans available for February flood victims in several W.Va. counties (MetroNews)

• NWS: Zero severe thunderstorm warnings issued in May (WCHS)

National

COVID-19

• COVID-19 cases hit lowest point in U.S. since pandemic began (Axios)
• Biden, Facing July 4 Deadline, Rallies Nation With Vaccination Incentives (New York Times)
• Health officials turn to Black-owned barber shops and hair salons as possible Covid-19 vaccination sites (CNN)
• Free Beer, Other New Incentives for Biden's 'Vaccine Sprint' (US News)
• Biden announces "month of action" to meet COVID-19 vaccine goal (CBS Video News)

Biden, Facing July 4 Deadline, Rallies Nation With Vaccination Incentives (MSN News)

The New York Times/MSN reports Biden laid out an aggressive campaign that will include incentives to get the vaccine that range from free child care for those getting shots to free tickets by private companies to the Super Bowl and to Major League Baseball games.

The article says Biden is trying to meet a previously announced goal of having 70 percent of U.S. adults at least partly vaccinated against the coronavirus by the July 4 holiday. The CDC says that as of Wednesday about 63 percent of American adults have received at least one coronavirus shot and 12 states have passed the 70 percent mark. However, several states are far short of that goal, particularly in the South.

A challenging hurricane season lies ahead for cities and states, new report warns (Market Watch) Rising construction costs and supply chain disruptions will make recovering from disasters more costly this year for states and cities and newly proposed FEMA disaster declaration rules may add to that burden. MarketWatch (NY) reports the price of lumber and wood products are up 90% compared to a year ago, while steel-mill products are 67% higher. Supply-chain bottlenecks resulting from the pandemic are also lengthening delivery times. The article notes FEMA is considering new rules for declaring a disaster that could lead to fewer disaster declarations and fewer FEMA dollars to help state and local governments with disaster recovery efforts. The article goes on to say the Biden administration is more focused on “mitigating the effects of storms before they hit,” pledging $3 billion for projects that aim to make communities more storm-resilient.

Disaster Declaration for Louisiana Approved for May Floods (US News)

President Biden has approved Louisiana’s request for a major disaster declaration after flash flooding in mid-May. USN&WR says the action makes FEMA funds available to affected individuals in the parishes of Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, and Lafayette. Edwards said Wednesday, “I want to thank President Biden for his quick approval of our request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which will go a long way to help the thousands of people affected in Louisiana by quick and severe flash flooding that damaged homes and left five people dead.” At least 2,900 homes have reported damage from the severe weather. WAFB-TV (LA) reports FEMA Individual Assistance will help with housing and other needs and funds are also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. FEMA has named John E. Long as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.