nearly 350 children hospitalized statewide. >> unfortunately, here in the south, where we failed to implement mask mandates in addition to vaccine mandates, as school started to open, we're now seeing a lot of kids and teachers become infected with covid. >> she's maxed out on these medications. >> reporter: hospitals, particularly in southern states, are facing a crush of new adult covid cases, too. >> covid is kicking humanity's ass. every time a covid patient comes and checks in, it's like, (exasperated) "damn it." >> reporter: dr. hasan kakli works in the e.r. here at el campo memorial hospital, in texas, about 70 miles southwest of houston. >> so 20 patients in the hospital. only one does not have covid. >> reporter: wow. >> that's how it's been. past three weeks. >> reporter: dr. kakli and his staff aren't just battling covid. >> uh-huh, bye- bye. no, they don't have any beds. >> reporter: they're on the phone, daily trying to find empty i.c.u. beds for critically