Louisiana reports 53 new COVID deaths, and 970 new confirmed cases, but the trend towards a flattening of the curve in hospitalizations and ventilator use continues.
Governor Edwards says the state will look at its options for potentially partially reopening next month if coronavirus infections continue to level off, but Edwards says tough times are still ahead of us, and acknowledged the death of 54-year-old freshman state representative Reggie Bagala of Lafourche Parish yesterday.
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Bagala died of COVID-19 symptoms after being placed on a ventilator following his admission to the hospital. Former Representative Truck Gisclair knew him well and says Bagala couldn’t wait for his first day at the Capitol.
Starting Monday hundreds of thousands of Louisianans who’ve lost their jobs or had their hours reduced due to COVID-19 will be receiving federally enhanced unemployment insurance payments. Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says the state got the federal funds this week, and so many recipients will be receiving two weeks’ worth of benefits on their Monday check.
State benefits cap out at 247 dollars a week, but the feds are now throwing an extra 600 dollars a week on top of it.
Severe weather is going to trounce on outdoor Easter plans. State climatologist Barry Keim says the Storm Prediction Center has the state in the marginal category of severe weather risk on Saturday with a warm front passing though, then an enhanced and moderate risk on Sunday.