The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is hospitalized in Orleans Parish. Governor Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases and that the state is being as proactive as possible to contain the virus.
The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana. State immunization director Dr. FrankWelch says anyone who experiences symptoms should call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing. Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu since the symptoms are so similar.
While awaiting testing results to come back, it is recommended that someone isolates themselves for that couple of days.
Oil prices have tumbled and the price for a barrel of oil is now in the 30s. Smith says a big part of the collapse is news that Russia and OPEC will both ramp up oil production in an apparent price war, suppressing global prices. Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. EricSmith says it’s likely it’s many of them will consolidate with larger companies, or just go out of business.
Smith adds it won’t harm all Louisiana drilling, as liquid natural gas exists in a separate market.
Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5th Congressional District. Letlow, was immediately endorsed by Abraham and If elected Letlow says he would seek a committee seat on the House Agriculture Committee.