Florida

Florida court's ruling comes as CDC director warns school outbreaks are happening where health guidance is not being followed.

Mayor Buddy Dyer called the situation "another result of what happens when residents do not get vaccinated, become critically ill, and need dire medical support and treatment."

"We totally need the help," said one school superintendent of a Florida district that's been threatened with sanctions for defying a ban on mask mandates.

"Let us be very clear that the vast majority of cases and hospitalizations and deaths are unvaccinated," said one state health official.

The state health department's request for 300 ventilators came as the Republican governor continued to fight to prevent school districts from requiring masks.

"We have seen time and time again that where racial justice protests flourish, anti-protest laws follow. And we know that police and prosecutors don't need more tools or power to abuse our constitutional rights."

"The governor could declare this red tide an environmental emergency and free up funds for people hurt by the event."

But there's fierce pushback from some GOP leaders, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has blamed President Joe Biden and immigrants for his state's record Covid-19 hospitalizations.

"I'd rather them come after our money than we're putting people in [funeral homes]," said one school board chair.

Fully vaccinated people were more likely to report that they plan to wear masks in public.