34 people died over the last day from COVID-19 in Louisiana, down from yesterday’s high of 54, but still one of the highest days on record. We’re now over 6,400 confirmed state cases with 1,500 hospitalizations for COVID, and 490 patients on ventilators.
And with the economy stalling out, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves urges small businesses to start filling out the application for the Payroll Protection Act….
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
As oil prices hover in the low 20s the outlook for Louisiana workers in the energy sector is looking increasingly precarious. President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Gifford Briggs says local companies are taking a huge hit in profits not only from the virus but also from Saudi Arabia and Russia ramping up production. Briggs says the two factors have resulted in a 90-percent reduction in prices for Louisiana Light Sweet Crude Oil since January.
Briggs also blames the Saudi/Russian price war for industry struggles.
When you combine requests to the feds and private companies, Louisiana has requested 14,000 ventilators ahead of what could be a shortage impacting the state starting this weekend. Governor Edwards says when you see that 14,000 number though, that doesn’t mean that many people will need the devices.