(CNN) As a Covid-19 testing shortage compounds a burgeoning crisis of new hospitalizations, more states are racing to help hospitals and health care networks with staff and supplies. Nearly 132,000 Covid-19 patients were in US hospitals as of Friday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. In Utah, four state-operated testing sites that experience some of the "highest demand and longest wait times" will be available by appointment only, starting Saturday, due to surging demand, Utah's health department said Friday. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that she is mandating all healthcare workers to get a Covid-19 booster shot within two weeks of eligibility. Brian Kemp and public health commissioner Kathleen Toomey.

Source: CNN January 08, 2022 12:02 UTC