Summary: The text discusses how the US is facing a wave of coronavirus infections driven by the Delta variant, with daily cases on the rise again, particularly in Southern states with low vaccination rates. Hospitalizations and deaths are also climbing, straining healthcare systems and prompting some regions to reimpose mask mandates. The surge is hitting unvaccinated individuals the hardest, as they make up the majority of those hospitalized and dying from the virus. Public health officials are urging more people to get vaccinated to curb the spread of the virus and prevent further outbreaks. Meanwhile, political and cultural divisions continue to impact efforts to combat the pandemic, with some Republican leaders rejecting mask mandates and vaccination campaigns. The situation highlights the challenges the US faces in achieving widespread immunity and reaching herd immunity as the Delta variant continues to spread rapidly.