The feds award Louisiana 190 million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing and establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure. Governor Edwards has expressed optimism the state will move into Phase Two in June. Congressman Garret Graves says this funding ensures we have the testing capacity to meet the federal benchmarks to do so.
The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak that’s infected about 100 people at three Acadiana crawfish farms. Crawfish Promotion Board Chairman David Savoy says the outbreak occurred at the end of the season and likely will not impact overall production.
Savoy says the workers live in communal spaces where social distancing is not possible.
Casinos are experiencing a promising start to reopening after being closed since mid-March. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says out of town guests are showing up since a majority of the state’s gaming tourism does not rely on air travel.
Cut 7 (11) “…some Louisiana folks.”
Properties are limited to 25% occupancy and can operate half of their gaming positions. Before guests are allowed on the gaming floor, they go through a temperature check, sanitize their hands, are given masks, and are encouraged to wear them.
Louisiana reports 27 new COVID fatalities and 278 new confirmed cases but drops below a thousand hospitalizations for the first time since March 28th, continuing the general decline of coronavirus spread. Current hospitalizations are at 931 and those on vents are down two at 110.