40 percent of the state’s entire population is now fully vaccinated but for rural regions, that number is still hovering in the low 30s, with numbers in the mid-20s in small rural parishes. LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal grew up in rural Vidrine. She says it can take a long time for mainstream messages to penetrate these smaller communities.
Cut 10 (11) “…working on.”
Meanwhile, New Orleans officials say at least 78-percent of their eligible adult population has at least one shot.

One COVID vaccine shot or a negative COVID test 72 hours prior to entry will be needed in order to attend an LSU football game this season. Monroe Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey calls the protocol an overreach with no historical precedent…..
cut 14 (09) “….sporting event”
LSU athletics director Scott Woodward says they are doing everything they can to ensure the experience in Tiger Stadium is safe and enjoyable.

The largest percentage of new COVID positive cases in the state are among five- to 17-year-olds, and hospitals are seeing a trend in pediatric patients. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Health Department announced 139 more COVID deaths yesterday. That’s a single-day high for the state.