The state is up to 1,172 Coronavirus cases, an increase from 335 the day before. There have been 34 deaths reported and 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting COVID-19 cases. Governor Edwards stay at home order goes into effect at 5pm today and it will last until April 12th. Edwards on why it’s so important that people not gather in groups of ten or more…
Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Dr. Gary Wagner, a Business Economist at UL-Lafayette says he compares the state’s numbers for the first 13 days to other recorded numbers of other cities and nations first two weeks.
The National Federation of Independent Business says 76% of small businesses are now being negatively impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, up from 23% ten days ago. The state has ordered that many businesses shut down in an effort to slow the spread, NFIB State Director, Dawn Starns she says commends Governor Edwards handling of the pandemic because he’s kept businesses in the loop.
LSU says they will only have a limited number of essential personnel on campus as part of the governor’s stay-at-home order. Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says campus is set to remain a ghost town through the end of the spring semester but they’re willing to be flexible if the situation improves.