The State Health Officer issues a dire pandemic prediction to a Legislative committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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Lawmakers questioned state health officials about the 25-percent cap on spectators at athletic events today in a House committee meeting. Kevin Barnhart has more.
cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.
Guidry says his prediction is based on the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic where a spring wave subsided only to be replaced by a much deadlier late fall outbreak.
Committee members also questioned Guidry about the small number of totals deaths that were solely attributed to COVID. Guidry says that number is misleading because of the nature of COVID, which pushes people with manageable illnesses to death’s door.
Guidry expressed concerns about efforts to further relax public health restrictions. He says numbers may be low now, but they’re only low because of the ongoing mitigation measures.
Governor Edwards has indicated the current Phase Three guidelines could be in place until a vaccine is publicly available.
Guidry says the current success in limiting outbreaks in schools is unlikely to last long. He expects as the semester continues students will slack off on prevention measures and the virus will spread.
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The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning. Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition.
Cut 6 (10) “…of those families.”
Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.
Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”
Kanter says this extends beyond knowing and accepting the risk involved because coronavirus spreads even without any symptoms.
Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”
Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed for possible amendments to allow more people in the stands.
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Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session. Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.
Cut 10 (09) “…into their home.”
Woodmere Elementary 4th grader Ka’Mauri Harrison was suspended for six days. His brother tripped over the gun when entering the room, at which point Harrison moved the gun, but still within view of his web camera.
Landry says after meeting with the family, it is clear the parents taught their children about accountability.
Cut 11 (07) “…to be accountable.”
The child was not given a chance to appeal his punishment. Landry says legal action can often be a lengthy process, but he’s committed to seeing this through and getting justice for Ka’Mauri.
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The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard several bills today that would give lawmakers more of a say when it comes to emergency orders. Most of the focus was on Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s bill. It would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days
Cut 13 (07) “…line of communication”
The governor, state treasurer, attorney general, House Speaker, and Senate President would be members on the council Democrats on the committee have concerns, including Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins…
Bogalusa Representative Malinda White is also concerned McFarland’s measure will result in a public health emergency turning political
McFarland says if the Council of State wants to amend an emergency order, the governor will still have final say under his legislation
A vote on McFarland’s measure and the other bills heard by the committee could come as early as tomorrow.