Governor Edwards sounds the alarm about the increasingly alarming situation in the New Orleans area, saying current projections show the region’s medical system running out of ventilators by late next week, and out of hospital beds by the week after that.

This information has led him to authorize turning the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans into a stand-up hospital, aiming to eventually house 1,120 beds at the location at peak capacity.

676 COVID patients in the state are in the hospital, 239 on ventilators and Congressman Ralph Abraham says for those at most risk, doctors should start considering experimental treatments…

Cut 9 (10) “…decision″

Abraham singled out hydroxychloroquine as one potentially useful off label treatment. Small scale studies have shown mixed results for the treatment. 

As the coronavirus forces the economy into a freefall, oil and gas prices continue to drop. Patrick DeHann, Head Petroleum Analyst with Gas Buddy says prices at the pump for the month of March continue to drop and oil prices are the lowest we’ve seen in eighteen years. DeHaan gives an update on Louisiana.

Cut 3 (09)  “…a year ago.”  

The statewide average is currently 1.85

Four people are dead, including a 2-year-old, following crash on Progress Road in Baton Rouge.  Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says last night around 9:30, a driver and two passengers were in an Oldsmobile traveling at a high rate of speed when control of the vehicle was lost.

Cut 6 (06) “…a residence.”

The crash claimed the lives of 56-year-old Patrick Dunn, 22-year-old Destiny Nelson, 28-year-old Jamarcus Brown and 2-year-old Jamarcus Brown Jr.

Eighteen more people have died of COVID-19 in Louisiana from yesterday, and the state’s total of cases now sits at 2,305 positive tests. The growing number of cases has led Congressman Ralph Abraham, a doctor, to call for doctors to consider using non-FDA approved “off-label” drugs to treat COVID-19. Abraham says even though experimental drugs like hydroxychloroquine may have side effects, they should be considered for patients in dire situations.

Cut 11 (11) “…with”

Small scale studies of hydroxychloroquine on COVID-19 patients have yielded mixed results.

Gas prices have crated to 1.85 a gallon in Louisiana, and Patrick DeHann, Head Petroleum Analyst with Gas Buddy says drivers shouldn’t celebrate.

Cut 5 (08)  “…low prices.”

Four people are dead, including a 2-year-old, following crash on Progress Road in Baton Rouge that impacted a house.  Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says the investigators continue to search for answers.  Coppola says the massive loss of life compounds the already tragic situation.

Cut 8 (06) “…you had four.”

56-year-old Patrick Dunn, an occupant of the home, and front passenger 22-year-old Destiny Nelson both died at the scene.  The driver, 28-year-old Jamarcus Brown and 2-year-old passenger Jamarcus Brown Jr. died after being transported to the hospital.

Saints QB Drew Brees commits $5 million dollars to help feed Louisiana residents who are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Second Harvest Food Bank President and CEO Natalie Jayroe says Second Harvest currently has the ability to crank out 2,000 meals per day and the contribution will help to increase that number.

Cut 14 (07) “…that is hunger.”

Louisiana is now reporting 2,305 positive cases of COVID-19, with 83 deaths, up from 1,795 cases and 65 fatalities yesterday. 676 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized, with 239 of them on ventilators. 53 of the state’s 64 parishes now have a confirmed case.

As these numbers continue to increase, so does the number of people calling for the expanded use of non-FDA approved experimental treatments for COVID-19 patients. Congressman Ralph Abraham is one of those advocates.

Cut 9 (10) “…decision″

Abraham touted what he says are anecdotally good results from the use of an anti-malarial drug called Hydroxychloroquine. Small scale studies of hydroxychloroquine on COVID-19 patients have yielded mixed results, and a Kaiser Family Foundation director labeled it a “drug of last resort”.

The average gas price in Louisiana has dropped to $1.85 a gallon. Brooke Thorington talks to a Petroleum Analyst on the outlook for the Bayou State.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

Saints QB Drew Brees commits $5 million dollars in an effort to help Louisiana communities that are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Second Harvest Food Bank will be among the avenues in which the money will be used, and President and CEO Natalie Jayroe call Brees a true leader in the community.

Cut 12 (09) “…can’t be understated.”

Governor Edwards says the rising number of new COVID-19 cases in Louisiana is alarming, and it appears the state has not yet begun to flatten the curve.  

Edwards says the state is going to have to stick with the shelter in place measures as long as it takes to make them pay off because right now the situation is not improving. 

Cut 10 (07) “…people.”

As the coronavirus forces the economy into a freefall, oil and gas prices continue to drop. Patrick DeHann, Head Petroleum Analyst with Gas Buddy says prices at the pump for the month of March continue to drop to the lowest levels we’ve seen in eighteen years. DeHaan says even with $1.85 being the statewide average they have seen prices far lower than that in certain parts of the state.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…Baton Rouge.”

COVID-19 is resulting in a shortage of masks needed for the protection of medical professionals on the frontline of treatment, but a social media challenge hopes to fill that void.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

In addition, protecting the community the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is now offering to pick up and deliver groceries to at-risk members of the community who can’t leave their homes due to the coronavirus. Public Information Officer Mathew Henderson says the response has been tremendous so far and the deputies say they enjoy it too.

As the number of coronavirus cases soar in Louisiana, state officials are scrambling to find more ventilators. The state health department says 163 hospitalized patients are on ventilators and 300 new ventilators are expected to be in New Orleans by early next week, but Governor John Bel Edwards is still concerned…
Cut 12 (10) “…as well.”

The state currently has 1,795 cases of the virus and 65 reported deaths

As the coronavirus forces the economy into a freefall, oil and gas prices continue to drop. Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis with Gas Buddy says prices at the pump for the month of March continue to drop to the lowest levels we’ve seen in eighteen years. DaHaan gives an update on Louisiana.

Cut 3 (09)  “…a year ago.”  

The U-S Senate approved a massive two-point-two trillion-dollar stimulus package last night that will result in direct checks to most Americans. Senator John Kennedy says the legislation also contains 350-billion dollars for small businesses…
Cut 8 (09) “…loan is forgivable.”

The House is expected to vote on the measure on Friday.

Four people are dead, including a 2-year-old, following crash on Progress Road in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says last night around 9:30, a driver and two passengers were in an Oldsmobile traveling at a high rate of speed when control of the vehicle was lost.

Cut 6 (06) “…a residence.”

Someone in the home was also killed in the wreck.

Governor Edwards presented some dire news about the state’s current growth in cases and the ventilator situation in the New Orleans area. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…Jeff Palermo”  

The State Department of Health has now identified six nursing home clusters of the coronavirus outbreak, an increase from three. But the department reversed course on releasing the names of the new facilities identified. The previously named clusters are Lambeth House, and Chateau de Norte Dame both in New Orleans and Chateau D’Ville in Donaldsonville. On Tuesday the department said they were investigating St James Place in Baton Rouge. On Wednesday The Advocate reported cases at Vista Shores Living and Memory Care Facility in New Orleans.

The Senate passes $2.2 trillion stimulus bill. Senator John Kennedy breaks down some of the allocations of the emergency funding bill, outside of the money that will provide cash to most Americans.  The state is expected to receive $1.8 billion. Kennedy says the legislation stacks more federal dollars onto Louisiana’s unemployment maximum benefit of $247 a week.

Cut 7 (07) “…that’s per week.”

The bill now goes to the house for a vote on Friday.

With a shortage of personal protective equipment at hospitals, seamstresses are volunteering their talents toward filling the void as part of what has been deemed by sewing circles as the million-mask challenge.  Philomena Martrain who now lives in the Florida Panhandle, came back to her native Baton Rouge to assist following the 2016 floods.  Martrain says the calling to help one of the hardest-hit areas comes naturally.

Cut 6 (07) “…I was raised.”

65 people are dead from the state’s 1,795 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The total number of cases is an increase of 407, the largest single-day rise in the state since the discovery of the first case just over two weeks ago. Governor Edwards calls the jump sobering and concerning.

Northwest Louisiana is now home to what will be one of the most prolific COVID-19 testing labs in the region thanks to LSU Health Shreveport. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The White House and Senate leaders have agreed on a two-trillion dollar emergency funding bill that will provide cash to most Americans. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the legislation calls for adults who make less than $75k annually to receive $1,200 check and each child will receive $500.This particular legislation only calls for a one-time payment to citizens, but Graves says he isn’t ruling out the possibility of another payment in the future.

Cut 14 (11) “…going to take.”

Officials with Ochsner says they are treating 271 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 300 more patients who potentially have the virus. Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas says not only are they seeing more COVID-19 patients but their stay in the hospital is more extended.

Cut 5 (11)  “…in the ICU.”

65 people are dead from the state’s 1,795 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The total number of cases is an increase of 407, the largest single-day rise in the state since the discovery of the first case just over two weeks ago. Governor Edwards calls the jump sobering and concerning.
Ochsner Health answers about their current status in meeting the demand for COVID-19 patients. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

Schools have been shut down for a week and a half and will remain that way through at least April 13. The federal government has already granted the state’s request to suspend end-of-year testing and school and district performance scores. Governor Edwards says it’s upsetting that kids are not in school, but keeping children at home will help slow the spread of the coronavirus
Cut 11 (09) “…population”
The White House and Senate leaders have agreed on a two-trillion dollar emergency funding bill that will provide cash to most Americans. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the legislation calls for adults who make less than $75k annually to receive $1,200 check and each child will receive $500. Graves says it is deficit spending that results in the tab being picked up by future generations.
Cut 13 (12) “…are worth it.”

The state is now reporting 1,795 positive cases of COVID-19 and the death toll has reached 65.  In a matter of two weeks, the state went from no reported cases to just under 18-hundred.  23 of the reported 65 deaths are less than 60 years old. The youngest death reported is age 36 and the oldest is 98. Louisiana now has the third-highest rate of confirmed cases per capita.

The House will vote on an economic stimulus package that will provide a financial lifeline to most Americans.  Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says adults who make less than $75k annually will qualify for $1,200 and an additional $500 per child.

Cut 12 (11) “…eligible for this”

Married couples with a household income under $150,000 will receive $2,400.

Officials with Ochsner says they are treating 271 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 300 more patients who potentially have the virus. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says they do have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment right now but they have asked staff to use them conservatively.
Cut 4 (09)_ “…normally do.”

LSU Health Shreveport opens a COVID-19 test processing lab that at peak capacity will be able to process 1,000 tests a day with a turnaround of only 24-48 hours.  Chief Innovation Officer Drew Mouton says the team has been pulling 18 to 20-hour days to get the facility online, and… 

Cut 8 (09) “…the mouth.”

The lab will not gather samples on-site, it has samples shipped to them from other locations.