us i.c.u. nurses, we are used to winning, and we are not winning. we're losing. >> reporter: oregon's covid hospitalizations are at their highest level since the pandemic started. the state has reimposed mask mandates, as a patchwork of rules on masks and vaccinations are being ordered elsewhere across the country. >> it is extraordinarily important that we keep our kids safe. >> reporter: illinois today ordered teachers, kindergarten through college, to get vaccinated or tested weekly. >> this is not about a vaccine. this is about fundamental rights. >> reporter: but there is anger in the streets of new york city over a vaccine mandate for all public employees. a similar mandate in oregon, which reported one of the highest increases in new cases last week, sparked hundreds to protest outside the hospital. ( honking and cheering ) inside, the i.c.u. was eerily quiet. dr. ghosh says he wishes they could see the depth of suffering. >> i wish things were not so