Half Of New Covid Cases Come From 7 States White House Says

In Texas and Florida, for example, state officials are doubling down against mask and vaccine mandates. In July, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis argued that mask mandates were restrictive, and issued an executive order directing the state’s education officials to avoid a mask mandate in schools. Meanwhile, Florida leads the nation in the number of children currently hospitalized with COVID infections. Florida saw 32 pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations per day between July 24 and 30, as the more virulent Delta variant has pushed up infection rates among kids and teens. Despite his state’s low vaccination rates and rising COVID infections, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also said he wouldn’t issue another mask mandate or a vaccine mandate. Texas is “past the time of government mandates” and “into the time for personal responsibility,” he said during a news conference in July. Several states boasting higher vaccination rates and fewer COVID cases are pushing mask mandates, however. Virginia, California, and New York have mandated vaccination or weekly testing for state employees and health care workers. Virginia’s plan goes into effect on Sept. 1, and is coupled with recommendations that students and staff at schools mask up. Last week, New York City announced that it would require proof of vaccination for both workers and customers who want to take part in indoor dining, exercise at gyms, or attend performances. Parts of Hawaii are also exploring vaccine mandates for government employees. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced last week that the state would begin requiring state and private health care workers be vaccinated. The mandate goes into effect on Sept. 7. Read on to find out more about which states are seeing their COVID cases skyrocket as vaccination rates remain low. RELATED: These 12 States Are Seeing the Worst COVID Surges Right Now. Number of new cases per 100,000 in the last week: 63 Daily case average on Aug. 7: 3,086 Percent of the population fully vaccinated: 35% Number of new cases per 100,000 in the last week: 78 Daily case average on Aug. 7: 2,351 Percent of the population fully vaccinated: 37% Number of new cases per 100,000 in the last week: 90 Daily case average on Aug. 7: 19,250 Percent of the population fully vaccinated: 49% Number of new cases per 100,000 in the last week: 99 Daily case average on Aug. 7: 4,603 Percent of the population fully vaccinated: 37% Number of new cases per 100,000 in the last week: 70ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Daily case average on Aug. 7: 2,092 Percent of the population fully vaccinated: 35% For more up-to-date news sent right to you inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Number of new cases per 100,000 in the last week: 42 Daily case average on Aug. 7: 2,879 Percent of the population fully vaccinated: 42% Number of new cases per 100,000 in the last week: 42 Daily case average on Aug. 7: 12,103 Percent of the population fully vaccinated: 44% RELATED: This Is How Bad COVID Cases Are in Your State, Data Shows.