As daily COVID case numbers continue to break records, the governor continues to encourage residents to wear masks indoors. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Attorney General Jeff Landry will make his case against the Biden Administrations’ plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for most healthcare workers. Erik Piccoli has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”
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With football playoffs and the Super Bowl coming in the next few weeks, many want to know when the state will approve online sports betting apps. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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As new COVID infections reach another single-day high and hospitalizations continue to mount, many are questioning if a statewide indoor mask mandate will be reinstated. At Thursday’s briefing, Governor John Bel Edwards stopped short of requiring face masks again.
Cut 4 (09) “… activities.”
However, Edwards supports the health department’s current guidance for masks in schools for two reasons, because they are indoors for an extended period of time and a large majority of school-aged children are not vaccinated.
Cut 5 (12) “…mask mandate.”
Research indicates students learn better when they are at school versus remote learning. Edwards says masks in schools will allow them to remain in the classroom as long as possible.
Cut 6 (13) “…go to class.”
The decision to require face masks in school is currently made by local school systems.
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Attorney General Jeff Landry is in Washington D.C. today presenting oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for select healthcare workers. Landry says it’s a big day for the country…
Cut 7 (08) “…for the next century.”
The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether or not to sustain the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rule that requires all health care workers at facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs to roll up their sleeves and be fully vaccinated unless they are eligible for medical or religious exemptions. Landry says this rule could be harmful to medical staff…
Cut 8 (11) “…of the hospital.”
The case will be one of two heard Friday that represents plaintiffs from Louisiana; the first featuring a case against OSHA requirements for companies with over 100 employees to mandate vaccines. Landry says he’s worried that if the President’s mandate is held in place it could create a healthcare shortage…
Cut 9 (07) “…this is America.”
Oral arguments will be heard at 10:00 AM CT and will be streamed live on C-SPAN.
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Commercials are all over Louisiana TV and radio about online sports betting “Coming Soon”, but HOW soon? State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says – first – he’d like to dispel a few rumors…:
Cut 10 (08) “…not the case.”
John says he’s aware that a number of high-profile sports events are coming – like college playoffs, NFL playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Those would, of course, mean more revenue for the state if sports betting apps are approved and online. Johns says work is proceeding to make that happen with all due haste…:
Cut 11 (11) “…as soon as possible.”
So, the question is, “when?” Sports Kings, Caesar’s, Wynn Bet, and more are all waiting in the wings for their sportsbook apps to go live. Johns says they want to make sure there are no bugs or potential user problems before he approves them. He says the Gaming Control Board cannot yet commit to a date…:
Cut 12 (14) “…that’s very, very soon.”
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Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says supply is not able to keep up with demand but if you are showing symptoms or have a known exposure you can receive a PCR test.
Cut 13 (11) “…of those.“
Kanter says the rapid test that gives results, typically 15 minutes, and the at-home tests are very hard to come by as the highly contagious Omicron variant and post-holiday surge in cases continues.
Cut 14 (07) “…private market.”
If you need testing Kanter says to call 2-1-1 or visit LDH-dot-LA-dot-GOV. He says there are approximately 400 sites in Louisiana where you can be tested for COVID, but if you’re looking for a home test…
Cut 15 (09) “…isolate accordingly.”
Kanter highly encourages those in need of testing to call 2-1-1 or use their website and avoid ERs so they can treat emergency patients.
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For the Saints to get back in the playoffs on Sunday, New Orleans will have to beat the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and the Rams need to beat the 49ers in Los Angeles. Both games will kick-off at 3:25 and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says he will not be scoreboard watching…
Cut 16 (25) “…look outside.”
Jordan says they are not guaranteed another game after Sunday, so all of their focus is going into beating the Dirty Birds…
Cut 17 (16) “ …what it is.”
The Saints have been leaning on the defense as the offense has only scored one touchdown in the last three games. Quarterback Taysom Hill says the offense is not far away from breaking out….
Cut 18 (19) “ …to win.”