Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the Presidential primary will be pushed back to June 20^th, from it’s previously scheduled April 4^th date out of COVID-19 concerns.

Louisiana now has 33 presumptive positive coronavirus cases, up from just one on Monday. US Surgeon General Jerome Adams says even though we are seeing a rising number of cases in the state, not every illness means you have COVID-19. He and the Governor preached caution saying unless you are showing those specific symptoms like fever, don’t ask to get tested.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…now for coronavirus.”

Ochsner Health has designated three urgent care locations devoted to COVID-19 testing in New Orleans, Houma, and Mandeville. Tests will only be provided if recommended by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Roughly 24,000 people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March right as COVID-19 is ramping up. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller is calling on the program to put a halt on all coverage suspensions, saying it could exacerbate the pandemic…

Cut 15 (08) “…people.”

LDH Health Secretary Stephen Russo told the advocate when asked about the topic that “there has not been any talk that we would delay any of that.”

Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the coronavirus outbreak.   Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says  211 will answer questions 24/7.

Cut 8 (10) “…where resources are.”

As of this morning 33 have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the outbreak.  Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the 211 service is one of the most trusted points of information for the public.

Cut 7 (11) “…their loved ones.”

Roughly 24-thousand people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it would be hard to find a worse time to kick people off of Medicaid. He’s calling for the program to freeze all coverage suspensions.

Cut 13 (12) “…sick.”

While coronavirus testing availability may be limited, Surgeon General Jerome Adams feels confident Louisiana has enough testing available in the state

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is expected to will hold a press briefing today to discuss potential voting options for the upcoming primary. Ardoin’s office issued a statement that they have been meeting with health officials and the Governor’s Unified Command Group in regard to elections plans.  Ardoin says he wants to protect the sacred right to vote while also protecting the health and safety of voters.

Now, the state has 33 presumptive positive cases for the coronavirus. New cases in the  St. Tammany , St Charles, St. Bernard, and  Terrebonne Parishes. As for testing US Surgeon General Jerome Adams says once samples get to a testing lab, there is a need to slow down the process so all the wells in a test kit will not be used up.

Cut 6 (11) “…in the process.”

At least four people in three different southeastern states have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending Mardi Gras events in New Orleans according to various authorities. The Arkansas Department of Health says their first presumptive case patient likely contracted the virus during carnival events. In Shelby County, Tennessee, Health Department officials say two people tested positive after their trip and the Montgomery County, Texas, Public Health District says a woman in her 40s is presumed positive as well from her Mardi Gras trip.

Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the coronavirus outbreak.   Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the service can be used to debunk misleading information about the virus that may be spreading on social media.

Cut 9 (07) “…their loved ones.″

There is also a text alert system available by texting LACOVID, all one word, to 898-211

All SEC sports have been canceled through March 30^th at all member schools, and spring sports championships are set to be pushed back. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says it wasn’t easy to cancel the SEC Basketball Tournament. He says some of the students playing won’t have another chance to win one…

Cut 10 (12) “about.”

Automatic full ticket refunds will be made by March 31^st for all sports.

The number of the state’s presumed COVID-19 cases has climbed to 19 and so far, 64 people have been tested. US Surgeon General Jerome Adams says the amount of testing locations and tests are limited and it takes about 4 to 6 hours to run each test.

Cut 5 (12)  “…twice a day.”

Tests will only be provided if recommended by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Roughly 24,000 people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says the new automated income eligibility check is punishing those who didn’t fill out the right paperwork.

Cut 14 (12) “…they need”

Louisiana Department of Health is now offering a 24/7 information hotline for COVID-19.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

And the department of health orders all healthcare facilities to restrict visitors. Visitors who will be allowed into each facility will be determined by those facilities after consulting with families and responsible parties. Those who have come in contact with the virus, showing symptoms or have returned from international travel in the previous two weeks will be restricted. The new guideline will end on April 10 unless extended by the department.

The number of the state’s presumed COVID-19 cases has climbed to 19 and while testing availability may be limited, Surgeon General Jerome Adams feels confident Louisiana has enough testing available in the state. But Adams, along with Governor Edwards, stressed that unless you are showing symptoms, you should not try to get tested.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…now for coronavirus.”

So far 64 people have been tested.

Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the coronavirus outbreak.   Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says 211 will answer questions 24/7 and 211 has been invaluable during hurricanes.

Cut 8 (10) “…where resources are.”

Over 20-thousand Medicaid recipients were warned in February they could lose their benefits by mid-March due to income eligibility concerns. Matt Doyle spoke with an advocate who says that’s a bad idea…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is expected to will hold a press briefing today to discuss potential voting options for the upcoming primary. Ardoin’s office issued a statement that they have been meeting with health officials and the Governor’s Unified Command Group in regard to elections plans.  Ardoin says he wants to protect the sacred right to vote while also protecting the health and safety of voters.

Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the coronavirus outbreak.   Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the 211 service is one of the most trusted points of information for the public when it comes to health and human services.

Cut 7 (11) “…their loved ones.”

Roughly 24-thousand people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan (Yan) Moller says it would be hard to find a worse time to kick people off of Medicaid. He’s calling for the program to freeze all coverage suspensions.

Cut 13 (12) “…sick.”

While coronavirus testing availability may be limited, Surgeon General Jerome Adams feels confident Louisiana has enough testing available in the state

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

At least four people in three different southeastern states have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending Mardi Gras events in New Orleans according to various authorities. The Arkansas Department of Health says their first presumptive case-patient likely contracted the virus during carnival events. In Shelby County, Tennessee, Health Department officials say two people tested positive after their trip and the Montgomery County, Texas, Public Health District says a woman in her 40s is presumed positive as well.

COVID-19 continues to dominate events at the Capitol, where the Governor hosted US Surgeon General Jerome Adams. Adams touched on whether or not Louisiana has enough testing kits, saying he thinks we’re fine. But Adams, along with Governor Edwards, stressed that unless you are showing symptoms, you should not try to get tested.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…now for coronavirus.”

After adjournment, the House Speaker had all members of the media, public, and House staff removed according to the AP to talk to House members about COVID-19 in private.

A contingency plan was reportedly discussed about Capitol operations and the session, a contingency that for now is on hold as the session is expected to continue despite the closures of Universities and the cancelations of events across the state. Members were told to stay at home if sick, wash their hands, and disinfect frequently.

Roughly 24,000 people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March right as COVID-19 is ramping up. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it would be hard to find a worse time to kick people off of Medicaid. He’s calling for the program to freeze all coverage suspensions.

Cut 13 (12) “…sick.”

The deadline to respond to the letter warning of cancellations passed in late February.

LDH Health Secretary Stephen Russo told the advocate when asked about the topic that “there has not been any talk that we would delay any of that.”

In a bit of out of state COVID-19 Legislative news, the Georgia Legislature has decided to suspend their session after Friday.

LSU announces that all classes are now going online for the remainder of the spring semester as coronavirus fears worsen. The university takes the step following Loyola, Tulane, and UNO all making a similar move.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30^th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri says after the hard work being put in by everyone involved with the team, the timing is discouraging but says he’s explained to the players about putting this into perspective.
Cut 13 (08) “…baseball games canceled.”
The NCAA announced the cancelation of March Madness, including the Women’s Final Four that was scheduled to take place in New Orleans.
Governor John Bel Edwards says every Louisiana resident has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. The state is up to 14 presumptive cases and Edwards says the virus can be spread by a
person who doesn’t have any COVID-19 symptoms
Cut 9 (06) “…loved ones.″

COVID-19 is provoking anxiety in many as the number of cases continues to grow internationally, and locally. LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says one way to reduce anxiety is to make sure that you are getting your news from a legitimate source.

Cut 3 (12)  “…fact”  

Moore says logging off of social media, for the time being, is another way to reduce anxiety.

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to pummel the stock market as today trading was temporarily halted after the DOW was down more than 2100 points.  Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiutti says for older investors, investment allocation is important as most advisors would recommend decreasing the percentage of investment in volatile stocks as an investor gets older.

Cut 7 (11) “…the stock market.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says everybody in Louisiana has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

SWEPCO announces that an employee at their downtown Shreveport office has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is quarantined. The electric company says that have now shifted to having most of their downtown Shreveport office employees are now working from home until further notice.

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to pummel the stock market as today trading was halted after the DOW was down more than 2100 points.  Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says for younger investors, he’d be hesitant to recommend making any moves because of a built-in advantage.

Cut 8 (09) “…make it up.”
Sporting events are being wiped out across nation due to the coronavirus and LSU has not been exempt.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30^th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri talked to reporters upon hearing the breaking developments and says he is sad for the players as this time in their life they’ll never be able to relive.
Cut 14 (12) “…in the world.”
Mainieri says after the hard work being put in by everyone involved with the team, the timing is discouraging but says he’s explained to the players about putting this into perspective.

Louisiana was visited by U-S Surgeon General Jerome Adams today as the state ramps up preparations for the continued spread of COVID-19. Adams implored every Louisianan, particularly the young, to do their part to fight the virus.

Cut 11 (16) “…to Europe.”

He also warned if you think you’re getting symptoms that it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to get the results of the test back.

Sporting events are being wiped out across nation due to the coronavirus and LSU has not been exempt.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30^th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri talked to reporters upon hearing the breaking developments.

Cut 12 (10) “…to Oxford today.”

Stocks are getting hammered today with the Dow Jones down over eight percent, and a bear market officially has been designated. Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says for those investors who have their money tied up in the market and are feeling uneasy, it is understandable to want to offload some of that stock.

Cut 6 (08) “…really that uncomfortable.”

COVID-19 is provoking anxiety in many as the number of cases continues to grow internationally, and locally. LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says the best ways to handle the stress is to get information from trusted sources, don’t subject yourself to too much social media, and approach it like you would a hurricane.

Cut 5 (10)  “…from it.”

She adds talking to your children about the virus may be a difficult conversation, but teaching them how to stay safe at this time is important.