LRN AM Newscall July 20

Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux points to a CDC investigation out of Missouri that shows the effectiveness of masks. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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White House Guidelines call for gyms to be closed down in high coronavirus transmission states like Louisiana. Brooke Thorington on how to transition your workout to the home if gyms did close again.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is celebrating the tort reform legislation signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A CDC investigation into an incident in Missouri shows the effectiveness of masks. Health officials say two hairstylists tested positive for the coronavirus, but none of their 136 customers and co-workers got the virus, because everyone involved wore a mask. Louisiana Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…masks.”

The two COVID positive workers had gotten tested for COVID, but went back to work while waiting for the results during this period.

The hairstylists spent on average over 15 minutes within six feet of their customers, which is considered “close contact”, and would warrant a self-quarantine order. Billioux says it’s a remarkable discovery…

Cut 5 (04)  “…evidence.”

Billioux says the now proven efficacy of masks is helping inform a federal plan aimed at keeping the economy up and running through the rest of the pandemic.

Cut 6 (09) “…impact.”

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Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders are expected to discuss this week on a 5th coronavirus relief funding bill.  Senator John Kennedy says it’s unclear what this round of aid may look like, but he doubts it will be as broad as past COVID stimulus bills.

Cut 7 (08) “…bills.”

Kennedy says he’s concerned about the rate of spending on COVID economic bills and he says the only way for the economy to survive is for Americans to get back to work.

Cut 8 (11) “…careful.”

While there’s still a lot up in the air as to the details of the next package, Kennedy says he is confident the one House Democrats crafted, the three trillion dollar HEROES Act, will not see hit the President’s desk.

Cut 9 (07) “…virus”

Enhanced federal unemployment benefits are set to expire at the end of the month and Congress is still discussing how they might assist the millions out of work. There are reports the $600 weekly checks could be slashed to $400.

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White House Coronavirus guidelines call for gyms to be closed in high transmission coronavirus states like Louisiana. Governor Edwards has yet to make that decision, but if gyms are ordered closed again, LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Exercise Physiologist Dr. Melinda Southern says there are exercises you can do at home to continue to do to stay in shape.

Cut 10 (08) “stability exercises.”

Sothern says unfortunately there are several workouts online that can pose a risk to your health that She highly recommends you search for reputable online instruction, sites like…

Cut 11 (12) “…are effective.”

Sothern says you don’t have to have a gym necessarily at home to stay in shape either, you can use basic furniture that you already have.

Cut 12 (10) “…the wall” 

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is celebrating the tort reform legislation signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards that aims to lower auto insurance rates.  LABI President Steven Waguespack says the measure will lead to lower claims, lower settlements, and lower insurance rates for commercial drivers.

Cut 13 (11) “…solution in place.” 

Waguespack believes there will be enormous benefits for commercial drivers with more competition among insurers.

Cut 14 (12) “…everywhere in between.”

Waguespack says the history of high auto insurance rates has been devastating for the Louisiana businesses.

Cut 15 (07) “…will change that.” 

10:30 LRN Newscast July 18

Senator John Kennedy pushes school districts to resume in-person education once the fall semester begins. Kennedy says science backs up his claim that it’s safe to get kids back into class. He says young people don’t often suffer fatal outcomes when they develop COVID-19.

Cut 10 (10) “…to it.”

Kennedy says the rewards of continuing kids’ social and academic development outweigh the risks of having them more exposed to the virus.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is asking fellow Republicans to reconsider their efforts to revoke Gov. Edwards’ pandemic state of emergency, saying an override would be a “grave decision with potentially dire consequences.” Schexnayder sent a letter to Republican House members discouraging support of Shreveport GOP Rep. Alan Seabaugh petition. Schexnayder’s letter states both Vice President Mike Pence and the Trump administration supports the mask mandate.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will consider the implementation of new White House COVID-19 guidelines.   Louisiana is one of 18 states in the red zone for cases and one of 11 in the red zone for testing positivity.  Edwards feels the state already is covering the most prioritized spread mitigation efforts from the CDC and White House Coronavirus Task Force.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…other things too.”

The recommendations call for red zone states like Louisiana to close gyms, put tighter restrictions on indoor dining capacity to 25%, and limit gatherings to 10 people.

People in need of a hospital procedure can be admitted without fearing the coronavirus according to New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avengo. But Dr. Avengo says it is still vitally important to hospitals that spread mitigation efforts are strictly followed by the public when outside of the home.

Cut 14 (04) “…easily been prevented.”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 18

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will consider the implementation of new White House COVID-19 guidelines but is not leaning towards implementing them at this time. Edwards says any new spread mitigation mandates will come on the next proclamation.

Cut 5 (12)  “…on the 26th.”

While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities.  Ochsner ERs and Urgent Care’s testing is restricted to symptomatic patients. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says Non-symptomatic patients can be tested for free at community testing sites.

Cut 8 (09) “…test”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers is pushing the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to support passage of the HEROES Act, a House crafted bill that would among other things increase funding for school health programs aimed at limiting coronavirus spread. Senator John Kennedy responded saying they already authorized 300 million dollars for additional school safety procedures and there’s no way HEROES will pass…

Cut 11 (10) “…manifesto”

The SEC announces that student-athletes who choose to not play sports in the fall due to COVID-19 concerns will not lose their scholarships. According to the statement released Friday, those who sit out will have their scholarships honored and will remain in good standing with their team. LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward also released a statement of support for the announcement and student-athletes’ in their decision if they choose to compete or not.

8:30 LRN Newscast July 18

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will consider the implementation of new White House COVID-19 guidelines.  The recommendations call for red zone states like Louisiana to close gyms, put tighter restrictions on indoor dining capacity to 25%, and limit gatherings to 10 people.

Cut 3 (12)  “…points in time.”  

People in need of a hospital procedure can be admitted without fearing the coronavirus according to New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avengo.  Dr. Avengo says healthcare providers have found better ways of balancing the intake of patients, but there is a danger that comes with hospitals getting full again.

Cut 13 (12) “…in deaths again.” 

While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says all community testing sites are completely free of any charges but what happens you are uninsured and end up in the ER due to COVID-19?

Cut 7 (07) “off”

Baton Rouge Rep. Ted James announces his candidacy for chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Current party Chair Karen Carter Peterson, a state senator from New Orleans, says she will not seek reelection. James said the Democratic Party must speak for those who “feel invisible to the politics of today” to energize the party.  Katie Bernhardt, a Lafayette small business owner, previously announced her candidacy. The chair is elected by party leadership and will be chosen August 29th.

7:30 LRN Newscast July 18

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is asking fellow republicans to reconsider their efforts to revoke Gov. Edwards’ pandemic state of emergency, saying an override would be a “grave decision with potentially dire consequences.” Schexnayder sent letter to Republican House members discouraging support of Shreveport GOP Rep. Alan Seabaugh petition. Schexnayder’s letter states both Vice President Mike Pence and the Trump administration supports of the mask mandate.

Governor Edwards is considering the implementations of new White House coronavirus guidelines.  Kevin Barnhart explains.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

 

 

 

People in need of a hospital procedure can be admitted without fearing the coronavirus according to New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avengo.  Dr. Avengo says she does not want anyone to defer a medical procedure they desperately need.

Cut 12 (11) “…to the hospital.”

 

Avengo says it is still vitally important that spread mitigation efforts are strictly followed by the public to prevent overcrowding.

 

Senator John Kennedy pushes school districts to resume in-person education once the fall semester begins. Kennedy says the rewards of continuing kids’ social and academic development outweigh the risks of having them more exposed to the virus and name-checked a series of other countries that have returned to the classroom.

Cut 9 (12) “can too.”

4:30 PM Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will consider the implementations of new White House COVID guidelines.  The recommendations call for red zone states like Louisiana to close gyms, put tighter restrictions on indoor dining capacity to 25%, and limit gatherings to 10 people.

Cut 3 (12)  “…points in time.”  

The state added almost another 2,200 cases today.

While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says all community testing sites are completely free of any charges but what happens you are uninsured and end up in the ER due to COVID-19?

Cut 7 (07) “off”

 

Senator John Kennedy pushes school districts to resume in-person education once the fall semester begins. Kennedy says science backs up his claim that it’s safe to get kids back into class. He says young people don’t often suffer fatal outcomes when they develop COVID-19.

Cut 10 (10) “…to it.”

Kennedy says the rewards of continuing kids’ social and academic development outweigh the risks of having them more exposed to the virus.

People in need of a hospital procedure can be admitted without fearing the coronavirus according to New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avengo.  Dr. Avengo says healthcare providers have found better ways of balancing the intake of patients, but there is a danger that comes with hospitals getting full again.

Cut 13 (12) “…in deaths again.” 

445 PM LRN Sports

Saints All-Pro defensive end Cameron Jordon ruffled some dirty bird feathers yesterday when asked about the possibility that crowd sizes could be restricted for NFL games next season. Jordon told reporters at a charity event he was attending that Domefield Advantage was real, and losing it would certainly hurt.

He said That’s the energy you feel knowing that the whole city is riding with you. Now we’re just going to know that everyone is tuned in on TV, I guess? I don’t know. To have to treat a home game like an away game? Awkward.”

He also told reporters that playing in a half-empty stadium would be like playing in Atlanta. 

The SEC announces that players who opt to sit out the season due to coronavirus concerns will not lose their scholarships. While the SEC did not address how the decision would impact eligibility, but in a release, they did say “it is important for student-athletes and their families to know the financial support committed to them by their institutions will not be at risk because of health concerns.”

The Pelicans are adjusting to life with Zion in Orlando after the rookie star had to make an abrupt departure to attend to a family medical emergency. Coach Alvin Gentry says they’re moving ahead with preparing to field a team without their keystone player for a series of scrimmages that begin Wednesday.

30

The scrimmage schedule sees the Pels play Brooklyn Wednesday, Denver on July 25th and Milwaukee July 27th

330 PM LRN News

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers is pushing the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to support passage of the HEROES Act, a House crafted bill that would among other things increase funding for school health programs aimed at limiting coronavirus spread. Senator John Kennedy responded saying they already authorized 300 million dollars for additional school safety procedures and there’s no way HEROES will pass…

Cut 11 (10) “…manifesto”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will consider the implementation of new White House COVID-19 guidelines, but is not leaning towards implementing them at this time. Edwards says any new spread mitigation mandates will come on the next proclamation.

Cut 5 (12)  “…on the 26th.”

 

 

While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says all community testing sites are completely free of any charges, but in their urgent cares or if you get tested in the ER…

Cut 6 (08) “…COVID Testing”

Testing at Ochsner ERs and Urgent Cares is being restricted to symptomatic patients. Thomas says Non-symptomatic patients can be tested at community testing sites.

People in need of a hospital procedure can be admitted without fearing the coronavirus according to New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avengo.  Dr. Avengo says she does not want anyone to defer a medical procedure they desperately need.

Cut 12 (11) “…to the hospital.”

PM Newscall 07/17/2020

Governor John Bel Edwards is considering the implementations of new White House coronavirus guidelines.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Senator Kennedy says students need to be allowed to return to classrooms once the fall semester begins. Matt Doyle spoke with him earlier…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he will consider the implementation of new White House COVID-19 guidelines.  The recommendations call for red zone states like Louisiana to close gyms, put tighter restrictions on indoor dining capacity to 25%, and limit gatherings to 10 people.

Cut 3 (12)  “…points in time.”  

Louisiana is one of 18 states in the red zone for cases and one of 11 in the red zone for testing positivity.  Edwards feels the state already is covering the most prioritized spread mitigation efforts from the CDC and White House Coronavirus Task Force.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…other things too.”

Edwards has closely followed the White House guidance, despite push back from Republicans at the state level over restrictions.  Edwards says any new spread mitigation mandates will come on the next proclamation.

Cut 5 (12)  “…on the 26th.”

______________________

While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says all community testing sites are completely free of any charges, but in their urgent cares or if you get tested in the ER…

Cut 6 (08) “…COVID Testing”

And if you are uninsured and end up in the ER due to COVID-19?

Cut 7 (07) “off”

Testing at Ochsner ERs and Urgent Cares is being restricted to symptomatic patients. Thomas says Non-symptomatic patients can be tested at community testing sites.

Cut 8 (09) “…test”

_______________________

Senator John Kennedy pushes school districts to resume in-person education once the fall semester begins.

Kennedy says the rewards of continuing kids’ social and academic development outweigh the risks of having them more exposed to the virus and name-checked a series of other countries that have returned to the classroom.

Cut 9 (12) “can too.”

Kennedy says science backs up his claim that it’s safe to get kids back into class. He says young people don’t often suffer fatal outcomes when they develop COVID-19.

Cut 10 (10) “…to it.”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers voiced concern that there isn’t enough healthcare funding for schools to safely reopen right now and urged the Congressional Delegation to approve the HEROES Act to remedy that problem. Kennedy says there’s no way the House crafted bill passes.

Cut 11 (10) “…manifesto”

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People in need of a hospital procedure can be admitted without fearing the coronavirus according to New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avengo.  Dr. Avengo says she does not want anyone to defer a medical procedure they desperately need.

Cut 12 (11) “…to the hospital.”

Avengo says healthcare providers have found better ways of balancing the intake of patients, but there is a danger that comes with hospitals getting full again.

Cut 13 (12) “…in deaths again.” 

Avengo says it is still vitally important to hospitals that spread mitigation efforts are strictly followed by the public when outside of the home.

Cut 14 (04) “…easily been prevented.”

2:30 LRN Newscast July 17

The SEC announces that student-athletes who choose to not play sports in the fall due to COVID-19 concerns will not lose their scholarships. According to the statement released this afternoon, those who sit out will have their scholarships honored and will remain in good standing with their team. LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward also released a statement of support for the announcement and student-athletes’ in their decision if they choose to compete or not.

Governor John Bel Edwards is considering the implementations of new White House coronavirus guidelines.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities.  Ochsner ERs and Urgent Care’s testing is restricted to symptomatic patients. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says Non-symptomatic patients can be tested for free at community testing sites.

Cut 8 (09) “…test”

Senator John Kennedy pushes school districts to resume in-person education once the fall semester begins. Kennedy says the rewards of continuing kids’ social and academic development outweigh the risks of having them more exposed to the virus, and name-checked a series of other countries that have returned to the classroom.

Cut 9 (12) “…can to.”