The state reports 3,705 new COVID-19 cases today. 51 fatalities have been added to the state death toll and hospitalizations are up with 1,647 reported. Vaccine data has been added to the LDH dashboard with just over 22 thousand administered. Governor Edwards will hold a briefing today at 2:30, the status of Modified Phase 2 restrictions which expires tomorrow is expected to be announced.
When COVID vaccines are more widely available to the public you might wonder who’s paying for them, especially after the pandemic has hurt so many financially. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington says the federal government is paying for the vaccine itself with CARES Act funding, but there is a fee to administer the shot. He says most health insurance companies will pay the fee but if you don’t have insurance you might be charged.
Cut 7 (09) “…the vaccination.”
Vaccines should be widely available to the public next spring.
The state unemployment rate fell 1.1 percent from October to 8.3 percent in November as we continue slowly regaining jobs lost earlier in the pandemic. Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says every single market except Hammond gained jobs month-to-month…
Month-to-month the state is up 18,500 jobs from October.
Bo Pelini is out as defensive coordinator. LSU announced last night that Pelini and the school have mutually parted ways with two years left on his contract, which puts his buyout at five-point-two million dollars. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says financial resources might be tight as Coach Ed Orgeron looks for a new defensive coordinator
The athletic department has already laid off employees and reduced salaries due to the pandemic.