As kids return to the classroom, some systems are reinstating the use of face masks as COVID cases surge once again. Brooke Thorington has more from Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Louisiana has surpassed 15-thousand COVID deaths since March 2020. Jeff Palermo reports on whether the rate of COVID deaths will slow…
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The school bell is ringing once again in Louisiana and with COVID cases back on the rise some school systems are reinstating mitigation practices. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the decision about face masks is best made locally.
Research indicates having students in the classroom is best for everyone and Brumley says systems should do all they can to do so as safely as possible.
Brumley says as long as there isn’t a statewide mask mandate the department’s stance on the issue is that it’s a local decision, and because parents are very impassioned about face masks on both sides of the issue, he recommends they reach out to local school leaders.
When it comes to vaccines Brumley says he’s thankful they are available for the majority of school-age children now and he advises parents to discuss the matter with their healthcare provider.
Cut 5 (11) “…parent’s decision.”
In addition to COVID, Louisiana schools have had to adjust for hurricanes, winter storms, and flooding the past two school years and Brumley says through it all schools have managed to keep students in the classroom for the most part.
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The state is reporting 15-thousand COVID deaths since the pandemic started, but could we see fewer COVID deaths in the months ahead. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says one hopeful sign is that the mortality rate with the Omicron verge does not seem to be as severe as it was with the Delta surge…
Hassig says the best way to prevent death from COVID is getting vaccinated and keeping up with the boosters, but that’s a concern in Louisiana, which has one of the nation’s lowest vaccination rates as 50-percent of the population has completed the vaccine series…
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Hassig says while its possible the rate of deaths from COVID may slow down, the concern remains about hospitals being inundated with sick COVID patients and not having the ability to properly treat other diseases…
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The first fire fatality in Louisiana for 2022 occurred Sunday night in West Monroe claiming the life of a 69-year-old man and his dog. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says firefighters learned the occupant initially escaped the blaze but re-entered his home in an attempt to save his pet…
Firefighters located the man’s body in the living room and the remains of his dog in a bedroom. Rodrigue says investigators have not been able to pinpoint an actual cause but have determined where it started…
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Official identification is still pending but it’s believed the victim is the tenant. Deputies didn’t locate working smoke alarms but Rodrigue says even with working fire alarms staying out is of the utmost importance…
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Families in need of a fire alarm can get help through the Operation Save-A-Life program which provides free fire alarm installation through local fire departments.
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A 15-year has been arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder in connection with a New Year’s Eve fatal shooting in St. Landry Parish. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the victim has been identified as 38-year-old Keith Adam Joseph from Washington, Louisiana…
Cut 12 (10) “…once in the chest”
Just before midnight Friday, deputies were dispatched to a Washington home. Guidroz says the juvenile fled the scene prior to their arrival…
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The teen was also charged with Juvenile in Possession of a Firearm.
Those with any information about the crime are urged to contact the St Landry Crime Stoppers by calling 948-TIPS. Guidroz says this is just another case in a larger issue…
The investigation is still ongoing.