What We're Reading: Florida Sets COVID-19 Records; Health Equity in the Workplace; Masking in Hotspots

Florida Sets Daily COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Record

As reported by USA Today, Florida yesterday broke its record for daily COVID-19 hospitalizations, surpassing a figure set more than half a year prior to the widespread availability of coronavirus vaccines. Leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19, hospitalizations were indicated by HHS data to be more than 10,200, with the previous record of 10,170 set on July 23, 2020. Moreover, the news came one day after Florida had recorded the most daily coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.

Health Equity Implications for Employers

A piece by Forbes spotlighted the importance of health equity in the workplace, and how to achieve it. With people leaving their jobs at a record rate, several aspects of health and wellness have become of growing importance amid the pandemic, particularly the need for health equity. Serving to provide a personalized approach through support and flexibility, the article notes that employers can integrate health equity through benefits packages that are tailored to each employee’s needs.

Where Masking Is Recommended in the United States

As 63% of US counties meet CDC recommendations of wearing a mask in public indoor spaces due to substantial or high transmission rates of COVID-19, an article by The Washington Post addressed areas nationwide where masking is recommended. Notably, 23 of the top 25 destinations for flight bookings, as measured by the Hopper app, fall into the recommended masking guideline criteria, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Dallas, and Atlanta. Indoor mask mandates have also been reinforced in areas such as Washington, DC, and Los Angeles County, as well.