Governor Edwards issues a statewide shelter in place order, and the closure of all “non-essential” businesses in Louisiana. The order does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and allows for restaurants to serve takeout or drive-through meals, but for individuals…
The state has 832 positive cases.
According to a UL-Lafayette study, Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19. Dr. Gary Wagner, Acadiana Business Economist Endowed Chair at UL-Lafayette says he compares the state’s numbers for the first 14 days to other recorded numbers of other cities and nations first two weeks.
Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says its health system is prepared to handle a potential influx of COVID-19 patients. Despite reports of hospitals lacking personal protective equipment and not enough respirators, Thomas says they are in good shape right now.
Thomas says they are sourcing new beds to increase their capacity should a surge of patients arrive.
Governor Edwards will take to radio and television tonight at 7PM for a one-hour broadcast to address Louisiana’s fight against the spread of COVID-19. Edwards’ spokesperson Shauna Sanford says the goal is to answer many of the questions the public has about the pandemic.
Cut 7 (12) “…who are unemployed.”