Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the coronavirus outbreak.   Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the 211 service is one of the most trusted points of information for the public when it comes to health and human services.

Cut 7 (11) “…their loved ones.”

Roughly 24-thousand people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan (Yan) Moller says it would be hard to find a worse time to kick people off of Medicaid. He’s calling for the program to freeze all coverage suspensions.

Cut 13 (12) “…sick.”

While coronavirus testing availability may be limited, Surgeon General Jerome Adams feels confident Louisiana has enough testing available in the state

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

At least four people in three different southeastern states have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending Mardi Gras events in New Orleans according to various authorities. The Arkansas Department of Health says their first presumptive case-patient likely contracted the virus during carnival events. In Shelby County, Tennessee, Health Department officials say two people tested positive after their trip and the Montgomery County, Texas, Public Health District says a woman in her 40s is presumed positive as well.

COVID-19 continues to dominate events at the Capitol, where the Governor hosted US Surgeon General Jerome Adams. Adams touched on whether or not Louisiana has enough testing kits, saying he thinks we’re fine. But Adams, along with Governor Edwards, stressed that unless you are showing symptoms, you should not try to get tested.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…now for coronavirus.”

After adjournment, the House Speaker had all members of the media, public, and House staff removed according to the AP to talk to House members about COVID-19 in private.

A contingency plan was reportedly discussed about Capitol operations and the session, a contingency that for now is on hold as the session is expected to continue despite the closures of Universities and the cancelations of events across the state. Members were told to stay at home if sick, wash their hands, and disinfect frequently.

Roughly 24,000 people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March right as COVID-19 is ramping up. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it would be hard to find a worse time to kick people off of Medicaid. He’s calling for the program to freeze all coverage suspensions.

Cut 13 (12) “…sick.”

The deadline to respond to the letter warning of cancellations passed in late February.

LDH Health Secretary Stephen Russo told the advocate when asked about the topic that “there has not been any talk that we would delay any of that.”

In a bit of out of state COVID-19 Legislative news, the Georgia Legislature has decided to suspend their session after Friday.

LSU announces that all classes are now going online for the remainder of the spring semester as coronavirus fears worsen. The university takes the step following Loyola, Tulane, and UNO all making a similar move.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30^th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri says after the hard work being put in by everyone involved with the team, the timing is discouraging but says he’s explained to the players about putting this into perspective.
Cut 13 (08) “…baseball games canceled.”
The NCAA announced the cancelation of March Madness, including the Women’s Final Four that was scheduled to take place in New Orleans.
Governor John Bel Edwards says every Louisiana resident has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. The state is up to 14 presumptive cases and Edwards says the virus can be spread by a
person who doesn’t have any COVID-19 symptoms
Cut 9 (06) “…loved ones.″

COVID-19 is provoking anxiety in many as the number of cases continues to grow internationally, and locally. LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says one way to reduce anxiety is to make sure that you are getting your news from a legitimate source.

Cut 3 (12)  “…fact”  

Moore says logging off of social media, for the time being, is another way to reduce anxiety.

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to pummel the stock market as today trading was temporarily halted after the DOW was down more than 2100 points.  Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiutti says for older investors, investment allocation is important as most advisors would recommend decreasing the percentage of investment in volatile stocks as an investor gets older.

Cut 7 (11) “…the stock market.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says everybody in Louisiana has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

SWEPCO announces that an employee at their downtown Shreveport office has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is quarantined. The electric company says that have now shifted to having most of their downtown Shreveport office employees are now working from home until further notice.

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to pummel the stock market as today trading was halted after the DOW was down more than 2100 points.  Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says for younger investors, he’d be hesitant to recommend making any moves because of a built-in advantage.

Cut 8 (09) “…make it up.”
Sporting events are being wiped out across nation due to the coronavirus and LSU has not been exempt.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30^th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri talked to reporters upon hearing the breaking developments and says he is sad for the players as this time in their life they’ll never be able to relive.
Cut 14 (12) “…in the world.”
Mainieri says after the hard work being put in by everyone involved with the team, the timing is discouraging but says he’s explained to the players about putting this into perspective.

Louisiana was visited by U-S Surgeon General Jerome Adams today as the state ramps up preparations for the continued spread of COVID-19. Adams implored every Louisianan, particularly the young, to do their part to fight the virus.

Cut 11 (16) “…to Europe.”

He also warned if you think you’re getting symptoms that it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to get the results of the test back.

Sporting events are being wiped out across nation due to the coronavirus and LSU has not been exempt.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30^th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri talked to reporters upon hearing the breaking developments.

Cut 12 (10) “…to Oxford today.”

Stocks are getting hammered today with the Dow Jones down over eight percent, and a bear market officially has been designated. Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says for those investors who have their money tied up in the market and are feeling uneasy, it is understandable to want to offload some of that stock.

Cut 6 (08) “…really that uncomfortable.”

COVID-19 is provoking anxiety in many as the number of cases continues to grow internationally, and locally. LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says the best ways to handle the stress is to get information from trusted sources, don’t subject yourself to too much social media, and approach it like you would a hurricane.

Cut 5 (10)  “…from it.”

She adds talking to your children about the virus may be a difficult conversation, but teaching them how to stay safe at this time is important.

Louisiana is up to 14 presumptive cases of COVID-19 after another case is reported at Lambeth House Nursing Home in New Orleans. Governor John Bel Edwards says that’s a reminder that even those who are not at high risk have a role to play in containing the pandemic. Edwards says cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick, while keeping in mind the virus can be spread by a person who doesn’t have any COVID-19 symptoms

Cut 9 (06) “…loved ones.″

And if all of this coronavirus news is stressing you out, just know you are not alone. Social media is ablaze with fake news and virus panic, so if you are beginning to feel that pressure building up, LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says it’s probably time to log off of social media.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…sites”

She adds another way to lower stress is getting information from universally trusted sources.

LSU is asking students not to go out traveling for spring break with the holiday just around the corner. Many students appear to have taken that news to heart, including Reese from New Orleans, who says his Spring Break travel plans have already fallen through due to a Miami music festival cancelation.

Cut 13 (09) “…first world problem.”

While campus may not be closed, yet, all SEC sports have been suspended until the end of the month. The SEC, and all other conference tournaments have been canceled as well. The NCAA tournament is still tentatively set to roll though, but is expected to be played with no fans in attendance.

Lambeth House nursing home in New Orleans is reporting it’s fourth case of COVID-19, a dangerous situation considering nursing homes tend to be home to those most at risk of a fatal outcome from infections. That news, and news of a similar situation in Seattle has prompted the Louisiana Nursing Home Association to ask the public not to visit facilities at this time. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says that’s likely to impact the emotional health of residents…

Cut 12 (08) “…the nursing home.”

If all of this COVID-19 news is making you anxious,   LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says one way to reduce anxiety is to make sure that you are getting your news from a legitimate source.

Cut 3, 12 seconds, fact

Lawmakers in D.C. are considering their options for potential economic stimulus if coronavirus fears lead to a prolonged economic slowdown. Senator Bill Cassidy says the best way the country could avoid an economic slowdown would be if Congress came together to pass a robust infrastructure package.

Cut 8 (12) “…jobs”

Senate Republicans and House Democrats are currently at an impasse over how to respond to the virus’s spread.

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to pummel the stock market as today trading was halted after the DOW was down more than 2100 points.  Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says for those investors who have their money tied up in the market and are feeling uneasy, he’s says it is understandable to want to offload some of that stock.

Cut 6 (08) “…really that uncomfortable.”

Governor Edwards declares a public health emergency as the state now has 13 presumptive cases of COVID-19, a number that’s ballooned from just one reported case Monday. Cases are now being found around the state, and community spread is thought to be occurring.

The nationwide spread prompted a historic decision by the NCAA to bar fans from attending all Men’s and Women’s NCAA tournament games, including the Women’s final four set for April 3^rd and fifth in New Orleans.

Tulane, Loyola, and UNO have also announced they are transitioning to online teaching.

Edwards says there’s also a concerning development at a New Orleans nursing home…

30

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is criticizing New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrel’s decision to cancel several city events, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade set to roll this weekend. Nungesser says until the Governor or feds call for events to be canceled such a declaration is only going to hurt the tourism industry, and tell tourists that Louisiana is not open for business.

Cut 14 (08) “…New Orleans.”

To compensate for potentially declining international tourism, the Lt. Governor plans to reallocate advertising to areas within driving distance of the state.

With the cancellation of those New Orleans events there’s growing interest in whether or not other major festivals like French Quarter, or Jazz Fest, would also be axed. State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry says those are being looked at, but there’s one event in particular that is concerning…

Cut 5 (09)  “…festival.”