NEW ORLEANS —WDSU – 5.3.20 –
Here’s a look at some of the latest information and headlines on coronavirus in Louisiana.
- 29,340 coronavirus cases across the state
- 1,969 deaths reported
- Stay-at-home order extended
- Schools closed for rest of the year
- Outdoor seating at restaurants allowed; no table service
- Legislative session resumes Monday
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, there are now 29,340 coronavirus cases reported across the state. The health department is reporting 1,969 COVID-19 deaths.
John Bel Edwards✔@LouisianaGov
We still have work to do to slow the spread of COVID-19 before we move to Phase One, but with everyone staying home and doing their part, I know that brighter days are ahead for Louisiana. #lagov #lalege
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There are currently 1,530 COVID-19 patients in hospitals. Of that number, 213 patients are on ventilators, according to Sunday’s figures.
More than 17,000 Louisianians have recovered from COVID-19 — that figure based off data available as of April 26.
In Orleans and Jefferson parishes — where the coronavirus outbreak first took hold in the state — more than 800 of the state’s COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in the two areas.Play Video
In New Orleans itself, the city is reporting 6,538 coronavirus cases. Jefferson Parish is reporting 6,388 cases, as of the latest update Sunday.
East Baton Rouge Parish surpassed the 2,000 mark in cases this weekend.
St. John the Baptist, Ouachita, Lafourche and Ascension parishes have 600-700 cases.
Click here to view the data parish-by-parish or county-by-county for those in Mississippi.
When it comes to testing — a key focus for Gov. John Bel Edwards — the state is reporting more than 172,000 tests that have been completed and reported to the state.
Click here for information on where to get tested in Louisiana.
Stay-at-home order extended in Louisiana:
Louisiana residents will have to wait a little longer before some of the state’s strict restrictions are lifted on non-essential businesses. The stay-at-home order has been in effect since mid-March and will now expire in mid-May.Play Video
Essential businesses — grocery stores and pharmacies — have been instructed to provide masks to employees. Outside of New Orleans, the stay-at-home order now allows restaurants to sit patrons outside but without table service. Stores can also offer curbside pick-up.Play Video
Edwards hopes that by the time the order expires, Louisiana can begin to move into phase one of reopening its economy while still dealing with the effects of COVID-19.
Click here for more information on the state’s extended order.
New Orleans doesn’t budge with its mitigation efforts:
The city of New Orleans will continue its strict mitigation efforts without any loosening of restrictions on businesses. That’s because city leaders and health experts want New Orleans to meet certain requirements before it can lift its restrictions.Play Video
So what will it take for New Orleans to get back to business?
Here’s a look at the requirements:
- Sustained low COVID-19 cases
- Increased testing
- Looking at available hospital capacity
- Ability to isolate new cases
NOLA Ready #COVIDNOLA✔@nolaready
Public health will continue to drive the @CityOfNOLA’s response to #COVID19. As we plan for future reopening of #NOLA, here are some requirements that will need to be met:
Sustained low casesIncreased testingHospital capacityIsolation capability #COVIDNOLA
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Around Louisiana:
The Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal released guidance this week for restaurants, stores and churches welcoming back customers or worshipers under the looser restrictions.
LaSalle Parish in central Louisiana and East Feliciana Parish near Baton Rouge both said churches and businesses may open Friday at 25 percent of occupancy limits — a change Gov. John Bel Edwards has said he hopes to make in mid-May. East Feliciana Parish also is reopening libraries and some other establishments.
Jefferson Parish businesses also welcomed back customers.Play Video
The 2020 Louisiana legislative session also resumes Monday. Lawmakers have been in recess for over a month due to COVID-19. They need to send a balanced budget to the governor by early June.John Bel Edwards✔@LouisianaGov
Wearing a face covering or mask in public is strongly recommended. When you wear a mask, you protect others. When others wear a mask, they protect you. #MaskUpLa #lagov
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Edwards stressed that social distancing — including required use of a mask for employees of businesses — will continue to remain the norm in Louisiana.
Elsewhere across the country:
States across the U.S. are either holding fast to stay-at-home orders or beginning to phase out the restrictions, with several orders already expiring.
More than 30 states have begun easing some social distancing restrictions — ranging from simply opening state parks to allowing certain businesses to restart.Louisiana Department of Health✔@LADeptHealth
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to defend yourself against #COVID19. http://buff.ly/2yXB9YS #healthequity
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Some of those states have let stay-at-home orders expire, with caveats restricting what businesses can open and how. One such state, Georgia, still requires the elderly to stay home until June 12. Other states and counties will ease restrictions starting Monday.Play Video
This week, a model often cited by the White House upped its predictions for the U.S. death toll by August, partially because of measures lifted prematurely.
There have been more than 1.1 million coronavirus cases in the United States, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. The U.S. death toll has surpassed 66,000 people, according to Hopkins.
Click here for the latest local and national coronavirus updates.
Slow the Spread: CLICK HERE to read the CDC guidelines on coronavirus
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