Assistant health secretary Dr. Alex Billioux debunks a theory that Louisiana’s COVID-19 case count has been inflated by individuals being retested only to find out they are still positive for coronavirus. Billioux made it clear the state is not listing every positive test result as a new case.
Cut 4 (08)_ “…that one case.”

While the federal government requires COVID tests to be free some patients are finding themselves hit with additional costs like lab fees when they get tested in certain facilities. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says all community testing sites are completely free of any charges, but in their urgent cares or if you get tested in the ER…

Cut 6, 8 seconds, COVID testing

Testing at Ochsner ERs and Urgent Cares is being restricted to symptomatic patients. Non-symptomatic patients can be tested at community testing sites.

The state is now taking applications for the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program, an initiative aimed at helping low-income people who are struggling to make rent. Payment amounts and qualification depends on income, household size, and fair market rent prices in your area. Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Keith Cunningham says you can only make 30 percent of the state’s average median income.
Cut 8 (07) “…or more.”

A West Monroe man was arrested after allegedly hitting a cop with his car and resisting arrest after refusing to wear a mask inside a Walmart. 64-year old Ricky Taylor allegedly refused to leave when a cop working a Walmart detail approached him. Eventually though police say he did move, and West Monroe Police Chief Jeff Terrell says one Taylor left the store he got into his car, and…
Cut 11 (08) “…bumped the officer.”

A second officer was called to make the arrest and a struggle ensued.