Mutations of the coronavirus raise concerns the vaccines being used in the US will not be effective. Brooke Thorington spoke with a physician at LSU-Health New Orleans
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Even though the pandemic has changed hospital visitation, families are making unique adjustments when it comes to childbirth. Brooke Thorington explains.
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Lost in the crush of news last week was the fact that Democrats now control both chambers of Congress. Matt Doyle spoke with an analyst about what to expect in the short term from the new blue majority…
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As two new mutations of the coronavirus have been reported, questions arise if the current vaccines being rolled out in the US will provide adequate protection. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele said they will.
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Miele says we take the flu vaccine annually because it mutates, so a mutation in a virus is nothing new, however, the RNA science that’s developed the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be easily adapted when needed.
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While some question the safety and speed at which the vaccines were approved, Miele says the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the safest vaccines he’s ever studied and 70-thousand participants were involved in the clinical trials.
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He says while the mutated strains in Britain and South Africa are much more contagious, they do not necessarily affect the body as severely as COVID-19. While the mutations need to be observed, currently Miele says vaccine-wise the mutations do not pose a threat.
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Chief Nursing Officer at Baton Rouge Woman’s Hospital Cheri Johnson says they thought birth rates would decline due to uncertainty and financial fallout from the pandemic. But instead they’re seeing a slight uptick and they believe changes in the work environment are why many are choosing to add a member to the family.
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Johnson says on average they have about 8,100 deliveries annually and they are expecting 200 more births than normal next quarter. She says one of the hardest things about the pandemic has been the change in visitation for childbirths.
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But despite visitation restrictions, Johnson says families are extremely creative as they wait for the delivery.
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Johnson says she has also witnessed several unique gender reveals by baby-gaters, for example, some dads set off a pink or blue smoke bomb in the parking lot.
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After winning both Georgia Senate races Democrats now control both chambers of Congress for the first time in a decade. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says expect dems to push through another, larger COVID relief bill. DuBos says that means bigger stimulus checks, but not without other priorities attached…
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The Senate is split 50-50 with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris set to be the deciding vote should lawmakers break along party lines. The House is still under Democratic control, but the majority shrunk in the recent election.
DuBos says after the Democrats tackle COVID-related issues expect them to move onto two other topics that have widespread support in the caucus.
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DuBos also says to expect the majority to move onto more controversial, partisan issues once they take care of their pandemic priorities…
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Roadways are slick in areas where snow has fallen. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says if you do not have to drive anywhere, stay at home
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Hardy says if you do have to drive, reduce your speed, increase your following distance behind other vehicles and anticipate stops
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Hardy also reminds motorists that bridges and overpasses freeze quicker and stay frozen longer than the rest of the roadway. He says use the 5-1-1 system to get the latest on road closures
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The Saints led 7-3 at halftime, but dominated the second half and defeated the 21-9 Bears to advance to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. The defense held Chicago to 239 total yards and just one third down conversion. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns…
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Michael Thomas returned from injured reserve to catch his first touchdown pass of the season and Alvin Kamara came back from the COVID-19/reserve list to rush for 99 yards and a touchdown. Kamara says he felt fresh after not playing last week or practicing leading up to the game…
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The win sets up a third game this season against NFC South rival Tampa Bay. New Orleans won the first two match-ups and Brees is looking forward towards another meeting against Tom Brady and the Bucs
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