Today marks the start of the third week of the governor’s stay at home order which resulted in the closure of several businesses leading to over 72-thousand jobless claims to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. In Louisiana, the maximum benefit for those who file for unemployment is 247-dollars a week, but Governor John Bel Edwards says the economic relief package approved by Congress will mean an additional 600-dollars a week for unemployed workers…
cut 13 (09) “…state benefit”
The L-W-C says they are still waiting for funding for that extra 600-dollars.

State Immunization Director Doctor Frank Welch says he’s waiting for a test to become more available that can determine if a person had COVID-19, but never knew they had the virus…
cut 11 (10) “…are still susceptible”
It’s called immune tests and Welch says a couple of hospitals in Louisiana have them.

High school students now have until September 30th to submit ACT scores to LOSFA to qualify to receive the TOPS scholarship. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

Louisiana had its biggest jump in reported deaths yesterday since the coronavirus outbreak began. The Louisiana Health Department reported 68 more fatalities to bring the state’s death toll to 477. Legendary Saints kicker Tom Dempsey died on Saturday night from complications of COVID-19. He was 73-years-old.

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a proclamation that changes the deadline to achieve at least a 20 on the ACT until September 30th for potential TOPS students, instead of the traditional April deadline. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutte…
Cut 7 (09) “eligibility”
Boutte says they’re working with the A-C-T for a June testing date, even if restrictions are still in place.

The uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak makes it extremely challenging for families to reassure children. LSU Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Anna Long says a change in a child’s behavior is typical during a crisis.
Cut 4 (11)_ “… are feeling.”

Many COVID-19 cases are undiagnosed due to someone being asymptomatic and never getting tested, but there is a test that can determine if someone had it without noticing and recovered. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The coronavirus is also impacting children as uncertainty and change of routine has made life unpredictable. An LSU psychologist offers some tips. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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 High school students now have until September 30th to submit ACT scores to LOSFA to quility to receive the TOPS tutition scholarship. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…Matt Doyle” 

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Many cases of COVID-19 going undiagnosed due to someone being asymptomatic and never getting tested, but now a new test can determine if someone had it without noticing and recovered. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The COVID-19 outbreak is not only impacting our physical health but mental as well. Unlike other disasters the uncertainty reality we are all facing makes it extremely challenging for families to reassure children.  LSU Psychology Asst Professor Dr Anna Long says a change in a child’s behavior is typical during a crisis.

Cut 4 (11)_ “… are feeling.”

Long says during this period be sure to reaffirm your child’s physical wellbeing and give them a perception of safety, for example, practical help, physical comfort, and emotional support. Long also says set a routine and stick to it.

Cut 5 (08)  “…and security.”

While many of us are working from home be prepared to make yourself more readily available to spend quality time with your children. Long says when children ask questions, be honest and reassure them but also let their questions guide the conversation

Cut 6 (12) “…to normal”

Long also stresses that parents should also manage their own stress because how they react has a significant effect on how their children will react.

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The deadline to submit ACT scores for TOPS qualification has been extended to September 30^th as the ability to take a test is non-existent at the moment.

LOSFA Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutte says a student would still need a 2.5 GPA and 20 on their ACT to qualify for at least some level of TOPS.

Cut 7 (09) “eligibility”

The traditional April national ACT test was delayed until June, and Boutte says they’re working with ACT to try to make June a possibility even if restrictions are still in place.

Cut 8 (07) “…safe.”

If a student has already taken an ACT, LOSFA will begin running eligibility on those scores in June.

Many school districts are now moving to Pass/Fail grades for classes due to school closures. Boutte says those will not impact your existing GPA, for better or worse.

Cut 9 (11) “…go up″

If you have any more questions about TOPS and COVID-19 Boutte recommends visiting LOSFA’s website and reading the Q&A section.

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New testing is starting to become available for those who may have been an asymptomatic COVID-19 positive carrier and now have recovered and likely have immunity.  State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says the testing is not yet widely available in Louisiana, but could be more available in the coming months.

Cut 10 (13) “…for Hepatitis B.”

Welch says this could bring peace of mind to those that haven’t shown serious symptoms.

Cut 11 (10) “…are still susceptible.”

Welch says this testing could be most useful in strategic hospital staffing.

Cut 12 (12) “…get it again.”

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With the Governor’s extension of virus spread mitigation measures through April keeping many businesses closed, unemployed Louisiana residents are wondering where their next paycheck is coming from.  Governor Edwards says the financial impact of COVID-19 is something that weighs heavy on his mind, adding the state is doing everything it can to expedite relief to those without an income.

Cut 13 (09) “…state benefit.”

Governor Edwards says in addition to loan programs available at the federal level, the state is working with banks to back loans to keep businesses afloat.

Cut 14 (12) “through the SBA.”

Edwards says the timeline of getting the economy back on track is reliant on what happens with the virus’s spread.

Cut 15 (11)“…possibly can.”

Governor Edwards says Louisiana has the highest death rate in the nation for COVID-19 and based on what we know about hospital admissions and coronavirus fatalities, the virus is more prevalent than initially thought.  Underlying health conditions are a major factor. Louisiana’s modeling data shows the state is on course to require 2,500 new hospitalizations a day in the New Orleans area by mid-May if the public does not adhere to mitigation measures.  The White House is reportedly set to recommend Americans wear a facemask while out in public to halt the spread of coronavirus. Edwards says if the CDC does call for masks it likely would not be an order.

Cut 8 (12) “…right now.”

Many Asian countries, which have had far more success than western countries in slowing COVID cases, practice widespread use of public mask-wearing during viral scares.

92% of small businesses are reporting a negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic according to a nationwide survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business.  NFIB state director Dawn Starns says some businesses are choosing to forego the use of loans from government programs because they don’t want to get tangled in the extra paperwork or debt.

Cut 5 (11)  “…plenty who do.”

Businesses with under 500 employees can now apply to receive a Small Business Administration loan from the feds to help cover payroll, and some other expenses for the next two months.  CPA Ben Vance says businesses who qualify get a loan amount that is determined by the SBA.

Cut 12 (09) “…2.5”

Louisiana scores a D rating from Unicast’s new community reporting tools that track how much people have been limiting their movement and activity, with Orleans Parish the only parish in Louisiana to score an A rating from the group. Google is also reporting that most people in Louisiana did not start taking the Stay At Home order seriously until late march, about a week after the order was passed. Louisiana’s total number of confirmed cases has now passed 10,000, with 370 total fatalities.

Now the CDC is recommending if you do go out and about to take care of essentials, that you wear a mask, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Governor Edwards says feel free to make a DIY mask, but save the N95s for healthcare workers who need them most.

Cut 7 (08) “…enough.”

Most online tutorials say you only need some cloth, like handkerchiefs, and elastic bands to make the most basic DIY mask.

Businesses with under 500 employees can now apply to receive a Small Business Administration loan from the feds to help cover payroll, and some other expenses for the next two months. CPA Ben Vance, Postlethwaite and Netterville Consulting Director, recommends interested small business owners “get in line” to apply for the loans now because there’s a lot of interest.

Cut 14 (13) “…apply”

The loans come in two forms, a disaster loan, and a payroll loan, but Vance says the emphasis is on payroll loans at the moment.

National Federation of Independent Business says if the shutdown lasts much longer then we’re going to see a cascade of failing small businesses, half of whom say can’t make it another two months. State Director Dawn Starns says the leading factor is slower sales as reported by 80% of small businesses.

Cut  4 (13)_ “…started the survey.”

Louisiana’s stay at home order was extended through the end of April, with indications it could last longer than that.

In response, the feds included a substantial package of Small Business Administration loans in the COVID-19 bailout package aimed at keeping as many workers as possible on payrolls by allowing businesses with under 500 employees to take a two-month loan for 2.5 times their aggregate monthly payroll cost from 2019. CPA Ben Vance says the funds can only be used for payroll, rent, utilities, and some interest costs, but…

Cut 13 (08) “…forgiven”

National Federation of Independent Business surveyed their members and said even with some federal interventions, many small businesses won’t be able to survive a prolonged shutdown.

Cut 3 (07)  “…three to six months.”  

The CDC recommends Americans wear a facemask when out in public to slow down the spread of COVID-19…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Army Corps of Engineers began opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway yesterday to protect New Orleans levees from the rising Mississippi River. Colonel Stephen Murphy says COVID-19 may have many workers staying home, but levee workers are essential.

Cut 11 (10) “…COVID-19.”

The state reported 60 more COVID-19 deaths yesterday, the largest single-day increase in fatalities yet, but still below the peak daily death total estimated by a White House model for Louisiana. That brings the state’s total to 370 fatalities.

Louisiana now has over 10,000 confirmed cases, and as coronavirus infections worldwide cross the million mark the CDC is now recommending Americans wear face masks in public to slow the spread.

Governor Edwards says there’s certainly a lot of evidence indicating widespread public use of facemasks would be beneficial.

Cut 6 (12) “…that.

Many Asian countries, which have had far more success than western countries in slowing COVID cases, practice widespread use of public mask-wearing during viral scares.

Businesses with under 500 employees can now apply to receive a Small Business Administration loan from the feds to help cover payroll, and some other expenses for the next two months. CPA Ben Vance says businesses who qualify get a loan amount that is determined by the SBA.

Cut 12 (09) “…2.5”

The CPA also warns that this is only a temporary fix and business owners should be preparing for what will happen once the two month period ends.

The Army Corps of Engineers began opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway yesterday to protect New Orleans levees from the rising Mississippi River. For the first time ever, it’s the third straight year the flood structure has been utilized. Colonel Stephen Murphy says opening bays on the spillway diverts part of the river’s flow away from New Orleans

Cut 9 (08) “…hurricane activity.″

The state is reporting 10,297 cases of the coronavirus an increase of 1,147 in one day. The state has also recorded 370 deaths related to COVID-19 an increase of 69 from the day before. Currently, 1,707 are hospitalized, and 535 are on ventilators.

National media outlets are reporting the CDC is set to recommend Americans wear a facemask when out in public to slow down the spread of COVID-19…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

92% of small businesses are reporting a negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic according to a nationwide survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business.  NFIB state director Dawn Starns says some businesses are choosing to forego the use of loans from government programs because they don’t want to get tangled in the extra paperwork or debt.
Cut 5 (11)  “…plenty who do.”

Businesses with under 500 employees can now apply to receive a Small Business Administration loan from the feds to help cover payroll, and some other expenses for the next two months. The funds can only be used for payroll, rent, utilities, and some interest costs, but CPA Ben Vance says it’s really intended to keep your workers employed.

Cut 13 (08) “…forgiven”

Businesses with under 500 employees can now apply to receive a Small Business Administration loan from the feds to help cover payroll, and some other expenses for the next two months.  CPA Ben Vance says businesses who qualify get a loan amount that is determined by the SBA.

Cut 12 (09) “…2.5”

92% of small businesses are reporting a negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic according to a nationwide survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business.  NFIB state director Dawn Starns says the leading factor is slower sales as reported by 80% of small businesses.

Cut  4 (13)_ “…started the survey.”

The White House is reportedly set to recommend Americans wear a facemask while out in public to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Governor Edwards says the state is awaiting official federal recommendations before calling for public face mask usage in Louisiana, but…
Cut 6 (12) “…that.”

The Army Corps of Engineers began opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway today to protect New Orleans levees from the rising Mississippi River. For the first time ever, it’s the third straight year the flood structure has been utilized. Colonel Stephen Murphy says it’s been another tough year for the River. To date, they’ve been in a phase one flood fight for 87 of the 93 days this calendar year.

Cut 10 (09) “…days”