Overall holiday travel is expected to be less this Thanksgiving however if you are taking to the skies, preparation is key in a pandemic. Brooke Thorington has more.
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The state department of health expects to begin vaccinating for COVID in mid-December. Brooke Thorington has more.
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We may be in for a rainy Thanksgiving and Governor Edwards says that should be the final blow to any plans to hold a “safe” Thanksgiving with people outside your household. Matt Doyle has more…
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It’s time to start defrosting that frozen turkey if you want it ready for baking or frying tomorrow.
Before you start to defrost that bird Ag Commissioner Mike Strain wants you to know that they can be covered in salmonella, and washing your bird can spread those germs up to three feet from the sink.
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Strain recommends two safe ways to defrost your turkey, letting it sit in your fridge, or submerging it in cold water. He warns neither process happens fast.
Cut 5 (10) “…minutes.”
Strain says there’s a third option, microwave defrosting, but just make sure you thoroughly clean your microwave after doing that.
Food safety extends beyond prep. Strain says instead of relying on visual cues to determine when your bird is cooked, use a food thermometer to confirm it’s safe to eat.
Cut 6 (11) “..breast.”
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Today is typically the one busiest travel days of the year however AAA projects 50 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year a drop from 55 million last year. Louisiana AAA spokesperson Don Redman says however we could see a decrease of even more than ten percent in travelers.
Cut 7 (10) “…earlier anticipated.”
While overall anticipated travel is predicted to be down by ten percent, Redman says car travel is expected to decrease by only five percent compared to 2019. As for other modes of travel…
Cut 8 (09) “…seventy-six percent.”
Redman says if you are traveling by air, even with estimated travel down by 50-percent for airlines this year don’t expect to have an empty seat beside you to stretch out.
Cut 9 (08) “…entire flight.”
Redmond also reminds travelers to check what restrictions are in place for your intended destination pandemic wise and advises you to visit the CDC’s website for guidance.
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The Louisiana Health Department expects to begin receiving the first COVID vaccine by mid-December. Stacy Hall, Director of the Office of Public Health Immunization Program says they are waiting on guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on who gets vaccinated first
Cut 10 (11) “…top two.”
Hall says the other priority group ill be those with preexisting conditions and most likely to succumb to the virus.
Healthcare personnel includes those who provide janitorial and other essential services in hospital settings and have direct contact with patients.
Hall predicts that the public will then be able to receive COVID vaccinations by mid-2021.
Cut 11 (11) “…unexpected happening.”
The Pfizer vaccine is expected to receive FDA approval the second week of December and then ship out to states. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require cold storage and Hall says they have already tested protocols for distribution.
Cut 12 (10) “…the state.”
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Governor Edwards says the state’s move back into a modified Phase Two should persuade people against gathering with others outside their household for the holidays.
Edwards says the weather report for Thanksgiving shows a decent chance of rain which likely dooms any planned outdoor celebrations with friends and family.
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State officials warn it is not safe to gather with family outside your household even if you get a rapid test today and it comes back negative.
Edwards says the holidays are here, but holiday parties are a recipe for disaster right now.
Cut 14 (08) “…dangerous”
Edwards says he’s tired of the pandemic too, but with a vaccine on the horizon, you won’t need to keep sacrificing your social life for much longer.
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The modified Phase Two will remain in effect until December 23rd, but Edwards warns it is likely he will have to extend the order once it expires.
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ULM is hoping to finally play a football game, as they are scheduled to play the Ragin Cajuns after three weeks off due to Covid-19 issues. Warhawks head coach Matt Viator is looking forward to a normal routine.
Cut 16 (12) “…your players.”
ULM’s last game was November 7th, a loss at Georgia State. Since then their game against Arkansas State was postponed and the much-anticipated contest against La Tech in Shreveport was canceled. Viator says he still has players in quarantine…
cut 17 (14) “….right track.”
Viator says junior college transfer Jeremy Hunt is set to start at quarterback for ULM on Saturday after Colby Suits opted out the remainder of the season. Viator says Hunt is ready to play.
cut 18 (11) “…division II league.”
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Sophomore wide receiver Jaray Jenkins from Jena scored his first touchdown in an LSU uniform last week. It was a big catch as the score gave the Tigers a 27-24 lead and that’s how the game ended with Arkansas. Jenkins says it was a great moment in his life
cut 19 (14) “…great team win.”
Jenkins has become a reliable receiver for LSU this season. He’s third on the team in catches. Jenkins credits his high school coaches for where he is today…
cut 20 (19) “…man today.”