The coronavirus is also impacting children as uncertainty and change of routine has made life unpredictable. An LSU psychologist offers some tips. Brooke Thorington has more.
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High school students now have until September 30th to submit ACT scores to LOSFA to quility to receive the TOPS tutition scholarship. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Many cases of COVID-19 going undiagnosed due to someone being asymptomatic and never getting tested, but now a new test can determine if someone had it without noticing and recovered. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
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The COVID-19 outbreak is not only impacting our physical health but mental as well. Unlike other disasters the uncertainty reality we are all facing makes it extremely challenging for families to reassure children. LSU Psychology Asst Professor Dr Anna Long says a change in a child’s behavior is typical during a crisis.
Long says during this period be sure to reaffirm your child’s physical wellbeing and give them a perception of safety, for example, practical help, physical comfort, and emotional support. Long also says set a routine and stick to it.
While many of us are working from home be prepared to make yourself more readily available to spend quality time with your children. Long says when children ask questions, be honest and reassure them but also let their questions guide the conversation
Long also stresses that parents should also manage their own stress because how they react has a significant effect on how their children will react.
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The deadline to submit ACT scores for TOPS qualification has been extended to September 30th as the ability to take a test is non-existent at the moment.
LOSFA Executive Director Dr. Sujuan Boutte says a student would still need a 2.5 GPA and 20 on their ACT to qualify for at least some level of TOPS.
The traditional April national ACT test was delayed until June, and Boutte says they’re working with ACT to try to make June a possibility even if restrictions are still in place.
If a student has already taken an ACT, LOSFA will begin running eligibility on those scores in June.
Many school districts are now moving to Pass/Fail grades for classes due to school closures. Boutte says those will not impact your existing GPA, for better or worse.
If you have any more questions about TOPS and COVID-19 Boutte recommends visiting LOSFA’s website and reading the Q&A section.
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New testing is starting to become available for those who may have been an asymptomatic COVID-19 positive carrier and now have recovered and likely have immunity. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says the testing is not yet widely available in Louisiana, but could be more available in the coming months.
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Welch says this could bring peace of mind to those that haven’t shown serious symptoms.
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Welch says this testing could be most useful in strategic hospital staffing.
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With the Governor’s extension of virus spread mitigation measures through April keeping many businesses closed, unemployed Louisiana residents are wondering where their next paycheck is coming from. Governor Edwards says the financial impact of COVID-19 is something that weighs heavy on his mind, adding the state is doing everything it can to expedite relief to those without an income.
Governor Edwards says in addition to loan programs available at the federal level, the state is working with banks to back loans to keep businesses afloat.
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Edwards says the timeline of getting the economy back on track is reliant on what happens with the virus’s spread.