On Monday, a very limited supply of vaccine doses will be available for Louisiana residents 70 years and older and additional healthcare workers. Governor John Bel Edwards warns this is just the beginning of vaccinations for this new group so it may take you a while to get an appointment to receive one.
He notes once we receive more vaccines the next group up will be essential workers like teachers and grocery store employees.
For those ringing in 2021 with fireworks, State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue urges you to do so safely. She says never use fireworks when you are impaired, light them only on a steady non-combustible surface for like concrete or asphalt 200 feet away from property. When finished wet them down before disposal.
And never allow children to handle fireworks.
2020 will be remembered for the pandemic and hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Laura caused massive destruction in southwest Louisiana and at least 28 deaths in the state were attributed to the hurricane. There was also Delta in the second week of October and Zeta which made landfall in Terrebonne Parish a few days before Halloween
The casinos’ industry also took a hit in 2020 with forced closures for almost two months, reduced capacity, and one casino even shut their doors for good. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says the state will suffer from the loss.
Non-gaming losses include revenue from concerts, restaurants, and bars at casino venues.