The strain on health care workers is made worse by people who don't do their part.

"I feel like on social media, there's a lot of talk of health care heroes and all that," Boetcher said. "Well, if you really want to respect people in health care or anyone that has to work right now, stay home. Wear a mask."

Their pleas don't reach everybody. A Young Republican gala in New Jersey drew 150 mostly massless attendees, as well as Congressman Matt Gaetz from Florida.

"It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state, never mind their own," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who shut down the venue.

Murphy singled out Gaetz for criticism this week in a COVID-19 briefing.

"I hope you're watching Matt. You are not welcome in New Jersey," Murphy said. "And frankly, I don't ever want you back in this state."