The AARP of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on long term care facilities and what they say is their inability to take basic COVID-19 precautions. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Ochsner Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says if you get exposed and immediately seek a COVID test the answer may not be helpful.
She says that is because the virus can take days, or even over a week to be detected by current tests.
Cut 8 (06) “…detected.”

Significant exposure is having contact with a COVID positive person within six feet for longer than 15 minutes.
Governor Edwards is expected to sign a bill placing an eight percent tax on net revenue from online fantasy sports wagering. Crowley Representative John Stefanski authored the legislation and says after it is signed into law, the gaming control board then can set rules.
Cut 13 (11) “…accept the revenue.”

And the start of this work week will involve some rain. From Shreveport to New Orleans expect widely scattered thunderstorms throughout the day. Some may develop into severe weather with lightning. So grab your umbrella on your way out the door.

Health experts warn that testing negative for COVID after having significant exposure to a COVID positive person is no guarantee you were not infected. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Casino’s in Louisiana are no longer rolling the dice on employees as mass layoffs are coming. The L’Auberge casinos in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge are slicing more than 600 jobs between the two following the covid crisis. The Treasure Chest in Kenner also paired off 340 people. Boomtown in Harvey cut right at 200.

The AARP indicates the state is not doing a good enough job with the basic COVID-19 precautions needed to stem the loss of life and protect residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says congressional action is needed to make sure facilities are regularly testing and have the appropriate PPE.
Cut 11 (11) “…for virtual visitation.”

Nationally, 50,000 long term facility residents have died from the virus.

An estimated 13 percent of Louisiana motorists are uninsured, and a Bogalusa Representative says increasing the minimum wage would lower that number.
The business lobby has never been a fan of raising the minimum, but Representative Malinda White says if the working poor got a living wage they could afford insurance, lowering rates for everyone.
Cut 4 (08)_ “…poverty.”

If you’ve had significant exposure to a person with COVID-19 but still test negative should you go back to work before your 14-day quarantine ends? Health experts say no.
Ochsner Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says if you get exposed and immediately seek a COVID test the answer may not be helpful.
Cut 7 (08) “…negative”

The AARP indicates the state is not doing a good enough job with the basic COVID-19 precautions needed to stem the loss of life and protect residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says around long-term care facilities make up around 1,500 deaths in the state.
Cut 10 (09) “…raising the alarm.”

Tort reform advocates say recently passed legislation will lower auto insurance rates 10-15 percent, but how can we get that number even lower? This Bogalusa representative has an idea…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards says our current escalation in COVID cases began almost exactly two weeks after Memorial Day and he wants residents to avoid a repeat for the 4^th of July. Edwards advises against going to fireworks displays this year. He says if you attend one of the few public displays still happening do some from your car, but better yet…

Cut 11 (07) “virtually.”

New data from a study of residents in Jefferson and Orleans Parish indicates that asymptomatic carriers of COVID are more infectious than previously thought.

And if you can’t help yourself and need some pyrotechnics to celebrate the night the State Fire Marshal encourages you to practice fireworks safety.  Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Once you are finished with your celebration be sure to wet down fireworks and deposit them away from the home.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

If you’re setting up a new pool in your backyard Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) has some good news for you, there’s no data available so far that says the virus spreads in the water.

Cut 3 (12)  “…properly maintained.”  

A Monroe man dies after what is believed to be a fireworks-related incident. Police say witnesses told them on July 2nd Damorrious Hollins was holding a mortar round that accidentally was set off while pointing at his leg. The explosion did significant damage to his left hip area, which resulted in Hollins’ death later that day. 

Louisiana records over 1,700 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, putting our average new case count since June 22^nd at clearly over 1,000. Hospitalizations have also risen to their highest levels since May 23^rd. 

Governor Edwards asks the public to avoid any crowds today for the 4^th of July, and do not participate in large gatherings.

Cut 10 (08) “…the same”

This request comes as the state has seen the virus bounce back with a vengeance in the last two weeks and fears are growing that another surge could hit two weeks from now if people don’t socially distance for the 4^th.

If you’re staying home to light fireworks, and fireworks are actually legal in your area, the State Fire Marshal’s office has a few tips for you. SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says be sure to wet down fireworks after use and if you do place them in a garbage can put that receptacle away from your home.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

Backyard pools are growing in popularity as public pools get shut down. If you’re a new pool owner Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says Always keep an eye on children at the pool. Hlavsa says drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages one to four and never swim when you are sick.

Cut 5 (13)  “…have diarrhea”

The Pelicans are getting ready to restart the season in the Orlando Bubble later this month and rookie forward Zion Williamson says he’s ready to get back on the court…

Cut 14 (11) “…from certain situations.”

Williamson was recently named one of three cover athletes for NBA 2k21 after just 19 games played last season. The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year. 

Louisiana records over 1,700 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, putting our average new case count since June 22^nd at clearly over 1,000. Hospitalizations have also risen to their highest levels since May 23^rd. With numbers ballooning statewide Governor Edwards warns about the potential for more case growth if we treat the 4^th of July as laxly as we did Memorial Day, which he believes was the genesis for our current growth in cases…

Cut 9 (09) “…Memorial Day”

As more people are staying home due to COVID-19 backyards with pools are extremely attractive this summer. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa says the good news about pools is that chlorine kills coronavirus, but the bad news is that germs that can be spread in the water if the chlorine is not properly maintained.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…killing power.”

A Monroe man dies after what is believed to be a fireworks-related incident. Police say witnesses told them on July 2nd Damorrious Hollins was holding a mortar round that accidentally was set off while pointing at his leg. The explosion did significant damage to his left hip area, which resulted in Hollins’ death later that day. 

There are expected to be a lot more personal firework displays this year due to the cancellation of many public displays. Brooke Thorington has some safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

It’s the Fourth of July and Governor Edwards is begging you not to repeat the mistakes of Memorial Day and further worsen our COVID case growth….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

If you do stay in and host a pool party, the Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa has some good news: there’s no data available so far that says the virus spreads in the water.

Cut 3 (12)  “…properly maintained.”  

Usually, the State Fire Marshal encourages families to enjoy public fireworks displays versus creating their own, but most are canceled due to COVID-19. SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says fireworks are not legal in all jurisdictions and can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly and should only be handled by adults.

Cut 6 (12) “…reach of children”

2K Sports has unveiled Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he’s been training every day during the pandemic, but very privately.

Cut 12 (12) “…my stepfather.”

The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year. 

The state reports over 1,700 new cases of COVID-19 today, out of just under 17,000 tests.  That translates to 10.3% of those tested were positive, just above dividing line for containment as defined by the World Health Organization.  43% of the cases are 18 to 29-year-olds.  23 new fatalities are being reported.

Many people are planning to shoot off their own fireworks with many public displays canceled this year. Brooke Thorington has some safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

2K Sports unveils Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he feels fortunate to be able to not see his rookie season come to an abrupt end due to COVID-19 and feels confident in the NBA’s handling of the bubble situation.

Cut 14 (11) “…from certain situations.”

But that’s not all, Zion is now also featured in a newly released public service announcement with Governor John Bel Edwards stressing the importance of wearing masks. Here’s a preview…
Cut 27

Governor Edwards says our current escalation in COVID cases began almost exactly two weeks after Memorial Day and he wants residents to avoid a repeat for the 4^th of July. Edwards advises against fireworks displays this year. He says if you attend one of the few public displays still happening do some from your car, but better yet…

Cut 11 (07) “virtually.”

Usually, the State Fire Marshal encourages families to enjoy public fireworks displays versus creating their own, but most are canceled due to COVID-19. SFM Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says fireworks are not legal in all jurisdictions and can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly and should only be handled by adults.

Cut 6 (12) “…reach of children”

Rodrigue says you should also only light fireworks on cement and away from structures.

2K Sports has unveiled Pelicans forward Zion Williamson as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Zion lands the cover after only 19 games in the league, but he’ll be getting more playtime when the NBA starts back later this month in Orlando.  Zion says he loves the fans in New Orleans and admits playing without them in a closed-off environment will be a different experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…we’ll be fine.” 

The late Kobe Bryant and Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard were also selected as cover athletes this year.

As more people are staying home due to COVID-19 backyards with pools are extremely attractive this summer. Always keep an eye on children at the pool. Chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Programming Michele Hlavsa (Waav saa) says drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children ages one to four and never swim when you are sick.

Cut 5 (13)  “…have diarrhea”