Governor John Bel Edwards warns Louisiana’s healthcare system could be overwhelmed within the next seven to ten days by COVID-19 cases without federal assistance. Edwards says the state’s trajectory of case growth is on the same path as Italy.
Cut 10 (10) “making that.”
Italy has surpassed China to lead the world in COVID-19 related deaths at 3,405. Coronavirus has claimed ten lives in Louisiana and WWL-TV reports St. Tammany Parish has its first death. Edwards is concerned about not having enough health care workers, hospital beds and ventilators and expressed that concern with the President during a video conference call with other governors.

There are 392 cases of coronavirus in Louisiana. Rapides Parish recorded its first case yesterday.

The state is offering free counseling for anyone experiencing stress or anxiety from the COVID-19 outbreak. Medical Director for the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health Dr. James Hussey says the line is open 24 hours a day with trained counselors.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…if necessary.”
The phone number is 1-866-310-7977.

Crawfish farmers say COVID-19 could not have come at a worse time…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”