In Florida's COVID news, the number of people hospitalized with the virus dropped across the state, compared to 24 hours earlier. According to the latest federal data, the total number of new cases also declined statewide. But hospital officials warn against reading trends into the lower COVID numbers, which fluctuate often. According to data, about 31 percent of the state's in-patient beds are being used for COVID patients. Of Florida's total COVID hospitalizations, 3,602 patients are in intensive care. Vaccinations are widely available for ages 12 and up. Experts say they do not prevent the illness, but vaccines decrease the severity and the likelihood of it leading to hospitalization and death.