Arkansas governor holds town halls after state lawmakers deny exceptions to a law prohibiting government agencies from mandating mask use. California will require school staff to be fully vaccinated or tested weekly. Texas asks hospitals to voluntarily postpone elective medical procedures.

At least 29 bills in 17 states involve health services for patients who are transgender, and many of these efforts specifically focus on youth populations. Several states proposed restricting access to transgender health care, by prohibiting or criminalizing gender-affirming care.

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.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott issues a proclamation to suspend elective surgeries in four counties, making room for another surge in COVID-19. Maine Gov. Janet Mills announces the state approved nearly $9 million in grant funding to support local COVID-19 public health, education, and prevention efforts.

The Arkansas governor appointed a steering committee to recommend distribution methods for federal COVID-19 funds across the states. A new National Governors Association memorandum offers planning recommendations for concurrent emergencies during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

HHS has left it up to the states' discretion on how to distribute the investigational antiviral drug. Several states — including Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas — are beginning to release plans on the distribution of the drug.

Federal guidance details how states can request ventilators; states regulate distribution of chloroquine and hydoxychloroquine and take steps to ensure housing stability.

States are expanding requirements for hospitals to report their bed capacity and supply inventory, and readying facilities to expand capacity to treat patients with COVID-19. CMS has approved Section 1135 waivers for 38 states.