Governor Edwards says Louisiana has the highest death rate in the nation for COVID-19 and based on what we know about hospital admissions and coronavirus fatalities, the virus is more prevalent than initially thought. Underlying health conditions are a major factor. Louisiana’s modeling data shows the state is on course to require 2,500 new hospitalizations a day in the New Orleans area by mid-May if the public does not adhere to mitigation measures. The White House is reportedly set to recommend Americans wear a facemask while out in public to halt the spread of coronavirus. Edwards says if the CDC does call for masks it likely would not be an order.
Cut 8 (12) “…right now.”
Many Asian countries, which have had far more success than western countries in slowing COVID cases, practice widespread use of public mask-wearing during viral scares.
92% of small businesses are reporting a negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic according to a nationwide survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says some businesses are choosing to forego the use of loans from government programs because they don’t want to get tangled in the extra paperwork or debt.
Businesses with under 500 employees can now apply to receive a Small Business Administration loan from the feds to help cover payroll, and some other expenses for the next two months. CPA Ben Vance says businesses who qualify get a loan amount that is determined by the SBA.