The CDC says Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID cases. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The Louisiana Blood Center is in urgent need of blood donations saying that at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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According to the CDC Louisiana has twice the national average of COVID. LSU-Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the uptick in cases has been found via wastewater detection.
Cut 3 (13) “…with COVID.”
Lopez says there’s a surge in COVID cases nationwide, including emergency room admissions and wastewater detection in other states.
Cut 4 (11) “…so hot.”
And while more people are either naturally immunized having contracted COVID in the past or being vaccinated, Lopez points out that individuals with co-morbidities or who are more vulnerable to the virus should still take precautions.
Cut 5 (12) “…threatening illness.”
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The Louisiana Blood Center issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, stating that at least 200 donors are needed daily to meet the demand. The call for increased donations comes amid a critical shortage intensified by the summer months, when blood donations typically decrease. Blood Center Medical Director Tim Peterson says donations have been declining for a decade…
Cut 6 (12) “..7 million people.”
Peterson emphasizes that the supply has reached a dangerously low level, threatening the ability to provide lifesaving blood products to hospitals and patients.
Cut 7 (12) “…that is needed.”
Donating blood is essential for a variety of medical treatments, including surgeries, cancer care, and emergencies. With demand often outpacing supply, Peterson is urging Louisianans to roll up their sleeves and donate, especially those with O-negative blood, which is universally compatible and in high demand.
Cut 8 (06) “…patient who needs the blood.”
The Blood Center is also encouraging first-time donors to participate, stressing that each donation can save multiple lives.
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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is hosting a cybersecurity training session for law enforcement at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette this week. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux says this training is part of a broader effort to bolster the state’s defenses against cyber threats.
Cut 9 (12) “…in the spring.”
The sessions aim to equip law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to and mitigate cyberattacks, which can target a wide range of critical infrastructure, including government agencies, businesses, and public services.
Cut 10 (07) “…GOHSEP Academy.”
Thibodeaux says public-private partnerships with Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association (LEPA) and private businesses donating to this training aims to strengthen its overall cyber resilience in Louisiana and ensure that law enforcement is equipped to tackle the evolving challenges of cybersecurity.
Cut 11 (07) ” …free of charge.”
The training will cover various aspects of cybersecurity, including threat detection, incident response, and strategies for protecting sensitive data. It is designed to enhance the capabilities of local law enforcement in handling cyber incidents, making them better prepared to protect their communities from digital threats.