New England experiencing COVID surge despite high vaccination rates

Hospitals across most New England states are seeing full intensive care units and staff shortages as growing coronavirus cases continue to shake the region, AP reports.

Why it matters: The New England region has the highest vaccination rate in the country, per AP. However, the states are still reporting record case counts, hospitalizations and deaths, comparable to pre-vaccine peaks.

• The infections recorded are largely among the unvaccinated, with full vaccination rates across the six New England states ranging from a high of 69.4% to 61.5%, per AP.

What they're saying: "I think it's clearly frustrating for all of us," Michael Pieciak, the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, told AP.

• "We want kids to be safe in school, we want parents not to have to worry about their child's education and health," he added.