One visitor from Texas may have been responsible for the horrendous post-Mardi Gras COVID surge that devastated the New Orleans Metro Area according to a new study. Tulane Virologist Dr. Bob Garry says it’s highly unusual because one, our infection resulted from domestic travel, and two most epicenters can trace their outbreaks back to several different infectious individuals.
He says that one individual, and the COVID variant they carried, were likely responsible for up to 50,000 infections.
Temperatures in Louisiana will begin plummeting today and over the weekend as a polar vortex makes its way south out of Canada. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this comes during the usually busy Mardi Gras weekend. Keim says maybe it’s for the best the parades aren’t rolling…
Those currently eligible for the vaccine have the option to be inoculated for COVID at their local Walmart or Sam’s Club. Louisiana is one of 22 states participating in the federal pharmacy retail program which kicks off Friday. Regional Health and Wellness Director for Walmart Bethany Evans says in the meantime you can schedule your appointment.
Appointments are required to be vaccinated.
UL -Lafayette played a significant role in the testing and protocols for the Pfizer COVID vaccine. The New Iberia Research Center provided valuable data allowing the vaccine clinical trials to progress to humans much quicker. NIRC Director of Contract Research Jane Fontenot says their primates also provided data on when booster shots should be conducted.