State officials announce in a Wednesday afternoon press conference the presumptive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana has grown to 13. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
_____________________________________
The public is advised against visiting nursing homes by the Louisiana Nursing Home Association. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Health New Orleans about the request…
___________________________________________
LSU is encouraging the campus community not to travel this Spring Break. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
____________________________________________
Louisiana now has 13 presumptive cases of COVID-19, a number that’s ballooned from just one reported case Monday. The elderly are at risk for the most devastating impacts of coronavirus, so Governor Edwards says recent developments at a New Orleans nursing home are raising concerns.
Cases are now being found around the state and Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says it appears people are now contracting the illness within Louisiana.
Cut 5 (12) “…New Orleans area.”
The NBA has suspended the season and the NCAA says spectators will not be present at March Madness games, including the Women’s Final Four that is scheduled to take place in New Orleans. Governor Edwards expects the announcement of more event changes, postponements, and cancellations will be coming in the next few days.
Cut 6 (12) “…with local governments.”
____________________________________________
Lawmakers in D.C. are considering their options for potential economic stimulus if coronavirus fears lead to a prolonged economic slowdown.
President Trump has floated the idea of a substantial payroll tax cut. Senator Bill Cassidy says they haven’t seen any firm plans for it yet, and he’s unsure about the idea.
Cassidy says the best way the country could avoid an economic slowdown would be if Congress came together to pass a robust infrastructure package.
There are growing fears the lack of sick days and hourly pay of the service industry could result in sick workers spreading the virus because they can’t afford to miss work. Cassidy says that’s a real concern, and…
______________________________________________
There are three presumptive positive COVID-19 cases at a New Orleans nursing home, and The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is asking it’s members to restrict access to facilities.
The statement asks the public not to visit a nursing home until further notice. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says that means even if you aren’t showing symptoms…
Cut 10 (11) “…transmitting it.”
A Seattle nursing home housing 108 patients has been on lockdown, and experts say it was the perfect environment for the virus’s spread. Lopez says we can’t let that happen here.
Emotional health is critical to elderly nursing home residents, and Lopez says, unfortunately, that’s likely to be impacted by these restrictions.
Cut 12 (08) “…the nursing home.”
Nursing homes in Louisiana will be expected to update their infection control procedures, and implement an extensive screening process for employees and visitors.
________________________________
Spring Break is coming and LSU is asking the campus community to consider canceling any travel plans they may have. Students on campus were recently asked about the idea of changing travel plans and some say they are now staying put. Reese from New Orleans says his Spring Break travel plans have already fallen through due to a Miami music festival cancelation.
Cut 13 (09) “…first world problem.”
Shola from Baton Rouge says she’s also scrapped any travel plans. She says developments in recent days have changed her outlook on just how serious the virus is.
Cut 14 (11) “…get a notification.”
A statement from LSU says they are considering closing the school after spring break as they realize that students may still choose to travel. Gabe from Lafayette believes the worst is still to come and says he’s got no issue with the school halting on-campus classes.