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TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Hospital Association, the state’s leading voice for hospitals and health systems, provided the following update today on COVID-19 in the state. Statewide data is derived from the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS Statewide COVID-19 Update: Current Confirmed COVID-19 Hospitalizations: 16,849 Percent of Previous Peak (7/23/20): 166% Total New COVID-19 Cases: Not yet updated by HHS Inpatient Bed Availability (all patients): 14% Inpatient ICU Bed Availability (adults): 6.9% Percent of Inpatients with Confirmed COVID-19 (all patients): 34% Source: COVID-19 Reported Patient Impact and Hospital Capacity by State FHA Hospital Update: The following information is being released by the Florida Hospital Association from a survey of hospitals completed Thursday, August 19, 2021. This survey reflects responses from hospitals representing 80% of Florida’s acute care hospital beds. COVID-19 patients in ICU: 21.7% (steady from 8/16) COVID-19 patients on ventilator: 16.0% (steady from 8/16) COVID-19 patients transferred from nursing homes/long-term care: 2.6% (steady from 8/16) Hospitals expecting critical staffing shortage in next 7 days: 77.0% (1.4% increase from 8/16) Hospitals expanding into non-care areas in next 7 days: 30.9% (1.7% increase from 8/16) “Through the powerful voices of our frontline health care heroes comes the life-saving pleas for Floridians to get vaccinated. In partnership with the Florida Medical Association, we are sharing public service announcements to raise awareness about the threat of the Delta variant, especially on younger Floridians,” said Mary C. Mayhew, President and CEO, Florida Hospital Association. “Half the COVID-19 cases at a major Florida hospital system are under 40 - the threat is real. Get vaccinated to protect yourself. Get vaccinated to ensure you will be there for your family.” The Florida Hospital Association will continue communicating with all Florida hospitals and state officials and provide additional updates as events warrant. ### About the Florida Hospital Association Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of more than 200 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association has offices in Tallahassee and Orlando and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions. For more information, visit www.fha.org.