Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15th citing concerning COVID-19 case growth in areas outside of the New Orleans epicenter like Monroe. Ouachita Parish reports 651 total cases and 16 COVID deaths, and Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo supports the stay at home extension.
LDH reports the Monroe and Baton Rouge regions are seeing increases in both cases and hospitalizations.
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order. Waguespack pointed to the many businesses deemed as essential as proof that companies can operate safely right now.
The Associated General Contractors of America says the pandemic has hit the construction industry hard. Spokesperson Brian Turmail says nationally, 68 percent of construction firms report having at least one project that was underway canceled or delayed and Louisiana is part of that trend.
Cut 6 (13) “…the association tracks.”
New Orleans saw construction jobs dip by 2,800 from March 2019 to March 2020, a 10 percent drop.
A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who asked for assistance or forbearance on their mortgage are successful. Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says he’s surprised by the high percentage, but it shows it’s worth the time to reach out to your lender.