Governor Edwards is extending the state’s Public Health Order related to COVID-19. It includes a provision permitting all state agencies to require mask wearing, the extension coming as the fast-spreading Omicron variant infects more individuals in the Bayou State. Though vaccines and boosters are seen as the strongest tools in the fight against the virus, Edwards says masking up is an important way to slow the spread, even indoors around people who aren’t members of your household.
Preliminary data from Moderna indicates their COVID booster shot increases antibody levels against the Omicron variant. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says while it’s still early data and hasn’t undergone a thorough scientific review…Lopez says Moderna’s announcement of significant booster protection against Omicron models data released from Pfizer and their booster shot.
Less than 33% of the population in the US is boosted.
A reconfirmation today from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell that Mardi Gras 2022 will take place as scheduled with route changes made for some crews, though all crews will roll on their scheduled days. Cantrell offered this example:
Cut 9 (13) “…avenue and Prytania.”
Today is the first day of winter and the Climate Prediction Center predicts a warmer and drier than normal winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says La Nina climate conditions will bring the Bayou State above-average temperatures and dry conditions through February. He says Louisiana benefits from warm air coming off the Gulf of Mexico…
Keim says we’ll experience what should be a mild winter starting with above-normal temperatures this holiday weekend …