Florida's new COVID hospitalization record is set as Florida's cases rise

Florida reported Sunday that 10,207 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized -- the most in the state since the pandemic began, per AP.

Florida's new COVID hospitalization record is set as Florida's cases rise

Why it is important:The report is available a day laterThe CDC publishedData from Florida shows that there were a record 21683 coronavirus cases in a single day.

The big pictureFlorida is the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus, with the Delta variant driving an increase, Axios Tampa Bay'sNotes from Ben Montgomery.

  • Unvaccinated people are more likely to be hospitalized or die from the virus.

In the meantime,Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), has taken a stand against restrictions on local authority.Announcement in MayHe said that he would forgive "any Floridian" who violates COVID-19 guidance, such as mask mandates or social distancing.

  • On Friday, he issued an executive order that bars local school districts from requiring students to wear masks when they return to the classroom next month.

Take note:According to the Florida Hospital Association, the previous COVID hospitalizations record for Florida was set July 23, 2020 when Florida had 10,170 hospitalsizations.

  • Friday was the day that the CDC released a new case record. According to the CDC, there were 17,093 new cases in the state on Thursday.
  • Both of the previous peaks were before mass vaccinations.