The state is now reporting 1,795 positive cases of COVID-19 and the death toll has reached 65. 23 of the 65 deaths are less than 60 years old. Louisiana now that the third-highest rate of confirmed cases per capita. The Bayou State is also the fourth state to receive a federal disaster declaration due to the coronavirus. Governor Edwards requested the designation Tuesday night, adding Louisiana to a list that includes California, Washington, and New York.
Officials with Ochsner says they are treating 271 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 300 more patients who potentially have the virus. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says they are redeploying some of their personnel
LSU Health Shreveport opens a COVID-19 test processing lab that at peak capacity will be able to process 1,000 tests a day with a turnaround of only 24-48 hours. Chief Innovation Officer Drew Mouton says two weeks ago they drew up plans for a facility that uses viral RNA extraction to generate tests that are among the most accurate in the world.
Schools have been shut down for a week and a half and will remain that way at least until April 13. Many parents are wondering if their child will be able to advance to the next grade level or graduate from high school if classes do not resume or if the school calendar is shortened. Governor Edwards says the department of education is developing a plan…