The state is now reporting 1,795 positive cases of COVID-19 and the death toll has reached 65. In a matter of two weeks, the state went from no reported cases to just under 18-hundred. 23 of the reported 65 deaths are less than 60 years old. The youngest death reported is age 36 and the oldest is 98. Louisiana now has the third-highest rate of confirmed cases per capita.
The House will vote on an economic stimulus package that will provide a financial lifeline to most Americans. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says adults who make less than $75k annually will qualify for $1,200 and an additional $500 per child.
Cut 12 (11) “…eligible for this”
Married couples with a household income under $150,000 will receive $2,400.
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 do have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment right now but they have asked staff to use them conservatively.
Cut 4 (09)_ “…normally do.”
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 the team has been pulling 18 to 20-hour days to get the facility online, and…
The lab will not gather samples on-site, it has samples shipped to them from other locations.