As the COVID-19 Delta variant continues to spread rapidly across the United States, several states have implemented new safety requirements.
- Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment updated its public health order to require medical-grade face coverings for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated employees in settings that serve vulnerable or at-risk populations, including hospitals; and
- Mississippi’s State Department of Health is recommending that residents who are 65 years old or older and those with chronic conditions avoid mass gatherings, regardless of vaccination status.
Amid the Delta variant outbreak, the federal government has offered increased help for states that are experiencing high rates of new cases. A federal surge team is assisting Nevada, after the state asked for federal help to address the spike in cases. But other states have resisted federal assistance. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) prohibited state agencies from working with the federal government, despite cases quadrupling over the past three weeks.
Visit the America’s Essential Hospitals coronavirus resource page for more information about the pandemic.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
