The number of coronavirus cases in Louisiana is up to 171 and now four people have died from COVID-19 based on information released this morning by the state department of health. Two of the four people who have died, lived at the Lambeth House assisted living facility in New Orleans.

The rising number of deaths is why Governor John Bel Edwards has put new restrictions in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theaters and casinos are closed, and restaurants are limited to carry out and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus Edwards has also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen…
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There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the COVID-19 crisis is making it difficult for some people to take care of their pets. Strain says unless you absolutely cannot care for your pet, don’t turn it over to the state, or set it loose.
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Strain says your pet can not be infected with COVID-19, but pets may temporarily harbor the virus on its coat or other areas of the pet’s body. He says if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, allow a family member to care for your pets.

An official announcement is expected today from the Southeastern Conference that its baseball and softball championship events are canceled. And athletics director Scott Woodward says the financial impact of sports cancellations are not a concern, adding that ticket holders will see money coming back for games that were not played, it just may take a little time…
cut 16 (08) “…refund your tickets”

You can not sit in a restaurant today as a result of Governor John Bel Edwards’ mandate that has limited restaurants to delivery and takeout. But Edwards says the country’s food supply chain is intact and efficient and grocery stores are not in danger of completely running out of food…
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Edwards has also shut down bars, casinos, movie theaters, and fitness center.

And the Louisiana Legislature has adjourned until March 31st. Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop told the House that mathematically there is no way to get business done if following CDC guidelines that limit public gatherings…
cut 7 (11) “…to pass anything”
When lawmakers return, they’ll need to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says the coronavirus pandemic raises plenty of questions on the impact on LSU sports. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
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The Sun Belt Conference has announced that spring sports have been canceled for the remainder of the year. Conference USA has made the same decision due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

And Organizers with the Festival International de Louisiane has canceled the five-day music festival that was set to begin April 22nd in Lafayette.

Bars, casinos, gyms, and fitness centers are closed today in response to the state’s effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurants can only offer delivery or take out. The state is reporting 136 cases of COVID 19 and the virus has been confirmed in eleven parishes. But Governor Edwards expects every parish will soon be impacted…
cut 12 (15) “….in the country”

Edwards has banned public gatherings of 50 people or more. Senator Bill Cassidy, who is also a doctor, is urging residents to listen to the governor. He says these restrictions are the only way to minimize the number of lives lost.

State lawmakers have returned to their districts as the 2020 regular session has been suspended until March 31st. Lake Charles Republican Phillip Tarver is the only legislator to object because he says adjournment is the wrong message to send to citizens and they must continue to conduct the state’s business…
cut 8 (08) “….citizens to do”
Lawmakers will have to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says he wants to see the spring sports athletes get another year of eligibility after seeing their seasons cut short as a result of the coronavirus. The NCAA has already indicated this will happen. He says there are about 120 student-athletes remaining on campus and some services are open to them, like the cafeteria…
cut 15 (13) “…as we are talking”

Governor Edwards is mandating restaurants can only provide carryout or delivery service and all bars and gyms are closed until April 13th to bolster social distancing efforts…
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Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the American Veterinary Medical Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking that COVID-patients give their pets to a family member.
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Strain says if you can’t give your pet up for a short time, maintain a safe distance from your pet and frequently wash your hands before and after contact with your pet.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says it is highly unlikely that spring sports will resume, so the focus is trying to address the many unknowns revolving around how the coronavirus could impact fall sports.
Cut 14 (12) “…is being discussed.”
LSU is still keeping its training room open so players can get medical care or treatment.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced new restrictions that could be in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theathers and casinos are closed, and all restaurants are limited to drive-thru, pick-up and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Louisiana has 136 COVID-19 postive cases and three people have died. Edwards also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen…
Cut 10 (13) “…week.”
Doctor Catherine O’Neal an infectious disease specialist at Out Lady of the Lake Hospital, says they expect the infection will spread across the state, so take the proper precations…
cut 13 (11) “…remotely”

The American Veterinary Medical Association is asking those infected with COVID-19 to hand their pets over to family. Matt Doyle on what the C-D-C is saying…
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Governor John Bel Edwards took further steps today to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as he’s limiting gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery and drive-through orders only. These changes are effective statewide at midnight. Operations may be able to resume on April 13th. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones has more on the fact that casinos are closing at midnight tonight…
cut 8 (08) “…from local government”
Edwards says the state is up to 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two people have died. The governor says he was on a call with President Trump and Vice President Pence for over an hour and he says they were very clear that we must significantly expand mitigation efforts to slow the progress of COVID-19 before there is more community spread. And action must be taken in areas where there are no confirmed reports.

Lawmakers adjourn the legislative session until March 31st due to COVID-19 fears. Matt Doyle has the story.
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The Louisiana Department of Education will continue serving meals during the statewide school shutdown. Assistant State Superintendent Catherine Pozniak says food operations will be modified to serve as many families as possible.
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Check with your local school system for more information.

Governor John Bel Edwards is taking more aggressive steps to fight the spread of COVID-19. He says all casinos, bars and movie theaters will be closing at midnight tonight and restaurants will be limited to delivery and drive-thru orders. Edwards says he’s taking these steps to protect the health of Louisianans, especially those over the age of 60…
cut 15 (12) “…pronounced”
The governor is reporting there are 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana and two people have died.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says casino operators are supportive of the move by the governor…
cut 7 (13) “…everything else”
The governor says operations may be able to resume on April 13th.

Legislative leaders have decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 session until March 31st due to COVID-19 concerns. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says its the right call because it would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…
cut 10 (11) “…situation”
Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned, but a budget must be approved by July 1st.

If you are one of the many who are now working from home as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Tech Gumbo host Haggai Davis recommends that you have some structure in place, like setting a work schedule and designating a work area…
cut 5 (13) “….different office now”