COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have climbed to an average of more than 1,900 a day for the first time since early March, with experts saying the virus is preying a large amount on a distinct group: 71 million unvaccinated Americans.
West Virginia has had more deaths in the first three weeks of September - 340 - than in the previous three months combined.
The nation was stunned back in December when it was witnessing 3,000 deaths a day.
According to data from Johns Hopkins University, average deaths per day have climbed 40% over the past two weeks, from 1,387 to 1,947.
Deaths typically take longer to fall because victims often linger for weeks before succumbing.
Cases are falling in West Virginia from pandemic highs, but deaths and hospitalizations are expected to continue increasing for as many as six more weeks, said retired National Guard Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, who leads the state's coronavirus task force.
Deaths are at an all-time high there, at three to four times the number it would see in a non-COVID-19 world, said Bennett Geister, hospital CEO. Bennett said the staff there, too, is worn out.
