The number of the state’s presumed COVID-19 cases has climbed to 19 and so far, 64 people have been tested. US Surgeon General Jerome Adams says the amount of testing locations and tests are limited and it takes about 4 to 6 hours to run each test.
Tests will only be provided if recommended by the Louisiana Department of Health.
Roughly 24,000 people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says the new automated income eligibility check is punishing those who didn’t fill out the right paperwork.
Louisiana Department of Health is now offering a 24/7 information hotline for COVID-19. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
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And the department of health orders all healthcare facilities to restrict visitors. Visitors who will be allowed into each facility will be determined by those facilities after consulting with families and responsible parties. Those who have come in contact with the virus, showing symptoms or have returned from international travel in the previous two weeks will be restricted. The new guideline will end on April 10 unless extended by the department.