A series of vaccine-related bills have been filed by a Houma representative that may cause some controversy as COVID-19 numbers rise…
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Coronavirus fears have taken attention away from the seasonal flu, but health officials warn it’s still necessary to be vigilant. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
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Could some of Louisiana’s festivals be at risk of cancellation or postponement due to coronavirus? Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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Houma Representative Beryl Amedee files a series of vaccine-related bills as the Capitol copes with the growing threat of coronavirus.
Amedee says one of the bills mandates healthcare providers provide patients more information about what is in their vaccines, and potential side effects those vaccines may have.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…happening.”
The bill would also require providers inform patients how effective the vaccine is.
Another of her bills would prevent employers from requiring their workforce be vaccinated. She says this legislation was inspired by complaints she heard from nursing students.
Cut 5 (08) “…vaccines.”
Amedee says she is not sure whether or not the spread of COVID-19 will hurt or help her cause, but…
Cut 6 (12) “….the bills”
The state has seen three coronavirus cases so far, all in the New Orleans area.
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While the focus of many may be on coronavirus, Louisiana is still dealing with an intense flu season. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says the seasonal flu is should still not be taken lightly as it can be devastating for both age extremes in both younger and older people.
Cut 7 (09) “…in the country.”
In a typical flu season, the regional baseline for the percentage of doctor visits for flu-like symptoms is just below 4 percent. Kanter says currently, the national and statewide rates are outpacing that number.
Cut 8 (10) “…we’re at 9.8%.”
Kanter says with more people taking action to prevent the spread of coronavirus, they are also helping in the fight against the spread of the flu.
Cut 9 (09) “…both of those.″
The best protection from the flu is getting vaccinated.
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Some of the biggest festivals in the nation are getting cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus. Could we see that here in Louisiana? State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says they are monitoring the situation and working with event organizers.
Cut 10 (11) “…a mutual decision.”
Southern California’s Coachella and Stagecoach are moving the events to October. Austin’s South by Southwest and Miami’s Ultra Music Festival will not be holding events in 2020.
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place over the course of ten days and welcomes around 400,000 visitors each year. Welch says COVID-19 is not going to spread well in an open-air environment.
Cut 11 (05) “…of disease that way.”
Welch says COVID-19 still has the ability to spread at festivals if people are greeting each other with hugs, kisses or handshakes, but also sharing cups, glasses, and utensils. There are other steps to take to avoid contamination.
Cut 12 (12) “…are spreading around.”
All of the St. Patrick’s parades in New Orleans this weekend have been canceled.
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Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the legislature will have a bitter fight this session over the right for local governments to sue oil and gas companies for damage to their coastlines.
The oil lobby is pushing hard for the change. Pinsonat says it would likely result in fewer suits filed against the industry.
Cut 13 (10) “…companies.”
Pinsonat says Governor Edwards has always supported the lawsuits, and he may come out swinging against the proposed change.
Cut 14 (11) “…veto.”
Pinsonat says the legislation already has the votes in the Senate, and since they already have the vote in the Upper Chamber…
Cut 15 (11) “…session”
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19th ranked LSU hosts South Alabama tonight before it begins SEC play on Friday at Ole Miss. We’ll see if sophomore Gavin Dugas is back in the line-up tonight. The Houma native hit two home runs on Sunday in a come from behind six to four win over U-Mass Lowell
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After a standout prep career at Houma Christian, Dugas has struggled with injuries and consistency. He’s hitting .250 this season with three home runs and 5 RBIs in 12 games. Dugas hopes the hits and the playing time will come more frequently after a break-out performance on Sunday
Cut 17 (13) “in baseball”
Looking ahead to the series against Ole Miss. Coach Paul Mainieri says Landon Marceaux will start game one to give Cole Henry an extra day after experiencing some arm soreness after his last start
cut 18 (20) “not throwing”