The state health department reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths today bringing the death toll to 6,895. The number of COVID patients hospitalized increased by 70 and there are nearly 16-hundred COVID patients in the hospital. Governor John Bel Edwards says he was on a call with CEOs of the state’s largest hospitals this week
Edwards says there’s been a surge in COVID patients following Halloween and Thanksgiving and it’s important to avoid another surge following Christmas.
The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says the best way to guarantee your package makes it safely under the Christmas Tree is for you to handle it yourself.
She also recommends a doorbell cam to deter thieves.
Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers either pass a 748-billion-dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill or nothing will get done before Congress’ Christmas break. Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members. He says with split chambers this is American’s only hope for relief…
Small businesses in Louisiana continue to struggle with the pandemic. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says they’ve performed 14 surveys and consistently one in four respondents say if the economy doesn’t improve soon, they will have to close their doors. Starns says it is imperative they receive relief as soon as possible.
Starns says many businesses are seeking PPP loan forgiveness.