As COVID-19 and RSV still remain in the state, the head of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources said a bigger concern at the moment is influenza.

 

DHHR Secretary Bill Crouch started his discussion today during Gov. Jim Justice’s COVID-19 press briefing talking about the need to get boosters, something Justice had done prior to Crouch speaking.

 

“(COVID) is part of our daily lives now, but we can’t ignore it,’ said Crouch.

 

After that, Crouch talked about concerns with the flu. He said there are some hospitals facing bed shortages as a result of the flu.

 

“We’re not into flue season yet, but we’re seeing increases statewide … It’s become a concern,” said Crouch, who added that RSV numbers are dropping.

 

Currently, Crouch said there are 554 hospital beds open in the state. He added that four hospitals are at capacity and that very few of those cases are COVID cases.

 

As for COVID, Justice harped on the boosters and also provided updates on the regular numbers he talks about at each press conference. He said there are currently 40 outbreaks of COVID in the state’s long-term care facilities, while there are no outbreaks in the state’s churches. In the state prison system, Justice said 24 inmates and seven staff members are currently infected with the virus.

 

Justice, as is often the case, talked other state news. In particular, he mentioned the month of November revenue estimates being way over what was estimated.

 

Justice said the number was $112.7 million above the November estimate. He said for the fiscal year to date, the state was $687.5 million above revenue estimates.

 

“That’s almost $700 million above estimates. It’s amazing,” said Justice.

 

Justice added that the state’s residents want the government to “deliver tax cuts.” He said that is up to the West Virginia Senate, House of Delegates, and himself.

 

“I’m all in,” said Justice on the tax cuts.

 

Justice started the press briefing reading the ages, genders, and counties who have passed since his last press briefing, which was held Wednesday, Nov. 30. There are now 7,627 deaths as the result of COVID.

 

“That’s not even fathomable. It’s off the charts,” said Justice of the deaths.