hospitalizations are today among the unvaccinated people. and i know this has gotten a bit politicized, but i hope it's starting to change. it's not about red states or blue states or guys like that hollering. it's about life, and it's about death. >> strong words from the president there. we have our cnn team all across the country covering this story. but let's begin with suzanne malveaux in new orleans. louisiana has seen a surge in covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. what are you seeing there, and what concerns are you hearing from health officials? >> good morning, kaitlan. this is the oakwood center, a mall that will open in about two hours or so. the hope is that shoppers will take advantage of a pilot program here, a vaccination center right here in the mall, where they'll be able to get vaccinated. the state of louisiana has this dubious distinction now of being the state with the most increase