Fourteen people are dead due to Louisiana’s COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 537 cases have been discovered in the state. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has issued a “stay at home” order for the city.
Governor Edwards says projections showing New Orleans area hospitals capacity being topped in the next week to 10 days a “worst-case scenario.” In addition to seeking personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, Edwards says they’re also looking to move respirators in surgical centers that perform elective surgeries, into frontline hospitals.
Cut 11 (10) “…state.”
A lack of respirators is reported at the heart of many of the COVID-19 deaths in Italy.
The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dipped to about $1.95. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says post-9/11 prices are likely ahead.
Cut 7 (07) “…heading pretty soon.”
The Louisiana Workforce Commission executive director Ava Dejoie says the department has been inundated with unemployment assistance claims as many people have lost work due to COVID-19. Dejoie says staffing of the department has been shifted from other divisions to help process the 30,000+ new claims.
Cut 4 (10)_ “…appreciate your patience.”
The first checks are anticipated to be sent out next week. The maximum unemployment benefit is $247 per week.
Food banks across the nation are seeing a surge in those seeking assistance with the COVID-19 outbreak’s effect on the economy. Second Harvest Food Bank spokesperson Jay Vise says this situation is different from a hurricane because grocery stores are still open right now but, there are many people including seniors and those with compromised immune systems in which it’s dangerous for them to go to the grocery stores.