A coalition of 22 states argues that the vaccine mandate has intensified workforce shortages at health care facilities and limited patient access to care.

At least 20 states are pursuing legislation to limit access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, while some states have proposed legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is supporting vaccination sites in 19 states and U.S. territories. States vary in their approaches to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to children; some are prioritizing subpopulations of children while others are involving child health stakeholders in planning.

The CDC data tracker shows COVID-19 vaccine rollout has varied significantly across the country. While Connecticut, New Hampshire, and South Dakota have administered at least 60 percent for their available vaccine doses, Arizona and Georgia have not yet administered 20 percent of their vaccines.

As Hurricane Laura tore through Texas and Louisiana, both states grappled with the devastating effects of the hurricane amid ongoing efforts to mitigate COVID-19. The pandemic has made it significantly more difficult to follow general hurricane preparedness procedures and protect vulnerable residents.

Governors from six states — Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Virginia — announced a bipartisan interstate compact to expand COVID-19 testing, stop the spread of the virus, and help state economies safely recover.

Several states have created task forces to examine racial disparities related to COVID-19. A new tracker shows which states have stay-at-home orders or plans to resume elective procedures. States have authority to allocate CARES Act funding how they see fit, and several states have begun to do so.