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” 

____________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham backs the use of experimental, or off-label treatments for COVID-19. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________

As the coronavirus forces the economy into a freefall, oil and gas prices continue to drop. Patrick DeHann, Head of 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.”  

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.”

DeHaan says while some might see a reduction at the pump as a relief while their personal income has been reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, however…

Cut 5 (08)  “…low prices.”

__________________________________________

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.”

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.

Coppola says he’s not sure why the three were out on the roads during the Governor’s shelter-in-place order.

Cut 7 (09) “…get through this.”

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.”

____________________________________________________

There are currently no FDA approved treatments for COVID-19, but there’s a growing number of people advocating for the expanded use of experimental treatments for the disease.

Congressman Ralph Abraham is one of those advocates. He says when a situation is serious enough, patients should be allowed to take off-label treatments.

Cut 9 (10) “…decision″

The President has touted what he says are good results from the use of an anti-malarial drug called Hydroxychloroquine. The treatment does not have FDA backing, but Abraham says anecdotally…

Cut 10 (08) “others.”

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” due to its side effects.

Abraham says even though these experimental drugs don’t have FDA approval and may have side effects, some patients don’t have other options.

Cut 11 (11) “…with”

_________________________________

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 is one of the recipients of this generous donation, and President and CEO Natalie Jayroe calls Brees a true leader.

Cut 12 (09) “…can’t be understated.”

Brees says he’s also working with Oschnser Health System, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Small Sliders and Waitr to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana.

Jayroe says this will help with feeding those that have lost employment and seniors whose ability to access food may now be challenged.

Cut 13 (10) “…meals as schools.”

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.”

Brees made the announcement on Instagram.  The exact size of the allocation to Second Harvest has not been released.

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”

_____________________________________

Senator John Kennedy broke down some of the allocations of the two-trillion dollar emergency funding bill. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart ” 

___________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30)  “…Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________________________

With COVID-19 patients pushing hospitals closer to exceeding capacity and front line personnel running short on masks, seamstresses and hobbyists are volunteering their talents toward filling those voids as part of what has been deemed by sewing circles as the million mask challenge.  Philomena Martrain grew up in Baton Rouge and was visiting her parents when the shelter in place order came down.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…things I have.”

The masks are used to cover and extend the usage of workers’ personal protection equipment. Martrain picked up some of the techniques from YouTube tutorials and says she’s scrounging together the materials for production, including repurposing elastic headbands found at a dollar store.

Cut 5 (11)  “…I sew it.”

Martrain now lives in the Florida Panhandle and helped with the recovery of Hurricane Michael and had previously come back to her native Baton Rouge to assist following the 2016 floods.  Martrain says the calling to help one of the hardest-hit areas just comes naturally.

Cut 6 (07) “…I was raised.”

____________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy broke down some of the allocations of the two-trillion dollar 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.”

Kennedy says some of the dollars will be put into the Small Business Administration for SBA loan up to $10 million to provide help for eight weeks.  That money could ultimately end up in workers’ pockets.

Cut 8 (09) “…loan is forgivable.”

Another $500 billion will go towards what is being deemed the exchange stabilization fund for large businesses.  Kennedy says $75 billion of that will go to direct loans to airlines and other businesses essential to national security.

Cut 9 (13) “…rate of interest.″
Kennedy adds there is $100 billion dollars allocated for hospitals to cover operating costs, lost profits.  Plus there is $11 billion for vaccines and therapeutics.

______________________________________________

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.”

Edwards says the ventilator situation is concerning because many patients already rely on ventilators for other respiratory issues… 

Cut 11 (12) “…alarming.”

The Governor estimates at the current pace, we could surpass the New Orleans capacity for ventilators by early April.  

300 new ventilators are expected to be in New Orleans by early next week, but Edwards says assuming those ventilators do arrive… 

Cut 12 (10) “…as well.”

____________________________

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson’s teams may be shut down, but she’s busy raising funds for those impacted by COVID-19 through the Community Assistance Fund.  

Benson contributed one million dollars to the fund to get it up and running and says she’s been inspired by how much charity and solidarity she’s seeing in New Orleans. 

Cut 13 (09) “…come back.”

Part of the fund will go towards helping gig economy workers who’ve lost their jobs in crisis.  

Benson highlighted the generosity of Pels rookie sensation Zion Williamson, who volunteered to cover 30 days of Smoothie King Center worker’s salaries… 

Cut 14 (12) “…young man.”

Benson is asking anyone who can to donate to charitable causes in the city during this trying time, and… 

Cut 15 (05) “…guidelines.”

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” 

____________________________

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” 

___________________________

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 are redeploying some of their personnel

Cut 3 (10)  “…these patients.”  

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.”

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.”

__________________________________________

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.  

Pathology Professor Dr. Chris Kevil says the lab is vital because one of the key ways to combat coronavirus is to test, test, test… 

Cut 6 (11) “…the chain”

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

Chief Innovation Officer Drew Mouton says two weeks ago they drew up plans for a facility that uses viral RNA extraction to generate tests that are among the most accurate in the world. 

Cut 7 (09) “…yesterday.”

The center estimates it will be about another two weeks before they’re at peak capacity, but they should be testing hundreds of samples by the end of the week. 

Mouton says the team has been pulling 18 to 20-hour days to get the facility online, and… 

Cut 8 (09) “…the mouth.”

____________________________________________________

Schools have been shut down for a week and a half and will remain that way through at least April 13. Governor John Bel Edwards says they are looking at different options on when kids could go back to school, but for the time being

Cut 9 (10) “…instructional materials″

Many parents are wondering if their child will be able to advance to the next grade level or graduate from high school if classes do not resume or if the school calendar is shortened. Edwards says the department of education is developing a plan…

Cut 10 (07) “…hopefully soon.”

The federal government has already granted the state’s request to suspend end-of-year testing and school and district performance scores. The governor 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.

Cut 12 (11) “…eligible for this”

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

The money has various allocations for the Small Business Administration and bailouts for various industries with a total price tag of $2 trillion.  Graves says it is deficit spending that results in the tab being picked up by future generations.

Cut 13 (12) “…are worth it.”

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.”

As COVID-19 takes a toll on our mental health a Clinical Psychologist from LSU Health New Orleans offers some coping skills.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

A housing crisis may be coming in the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo ” 

___________________________________________

 The escalating number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Louisiana has led Governor Edwards to request a federal disaster declaration for the state, just as the President indicates he wants the country to go back to work by Easter… 

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________________________

Louisiana residents are prepared for hunkering down for flooding and hurricanes, but staying at home through April 13th can still feel like a daunting tasking to prepare for. LSU AgCenter registered dietitian Sandra May says it is important to stock with nonperishables, but also ingredients to make things you may run out of.

Cut 4 (13)_ “…from the shelves.”

While it’s a good idea to have some snacks, May says it’s important not to go crazy with junk food.

Cut 5 (10)  “…things like that.”

May says it is vital to have a balanced diet making up the supplies in an effort to keep the immune system at peak performance.

Cut 6 (07) “…feel easy about.”

____________________________________________

COVID-19 is also having an impact mental health as we try to cope with stress and anxiety from the pandemic. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore with LSU Health New Orleans says whenever we are told to do something out of the norm we can react with a greater degree of anxiety or depression.

Cut 7 (09) “…also intensify.”

Moore says don’t ignore a change in behavior and seek professional help if you have trouble coping on your own. She offers some suggestions on how to cope with the current crisis.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s happening.”

She also suggests using your phone as we social distance and to stay in contact with family and friends. Moore says focusing on the positive in your life daily and keeping a gratitude diary and can help during the pandemic.

A majority of workers in the state are working from home and some find themselves unemployed and/or caring for children at home now as schools are closed. Moore says as we undergo huge life changes, we must learn to be flexible during this uncertain time.

Cut 9 (08) “…unnaturally″

If you feel you need counseling, you can call the Louisiana Department of Health’s Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline at 1-888-310-7977

______________________________________________

Evictions and foreclosures may be on hold in Louisiana due to the shutdown of courts, but that situation doesn’t get tenants off the hook when it comes to paying rent or a mortgage. Spokesperson for the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center Maxwell Ciardullo says the future seems dire without housing assistance from the federal relief bill being negotiated.

Cut 10 (11) “…open back up.”

Statewide, courts are closed until at least April 13^th.
Ciardullo says focus needs to also be put on getting the homeless of the streets and in a public health emergency, stable housing is one of the best defenses.

Cut 11 (09) “…overwhelmed more quickly.”

Ciardullo expects that tenants could owe as much as double the rent money when the courts reopen, and with many workers being without a paycheck that’s going to cause an issue. Ciardullo hopes landlords will work with tenants.

Cut 12 (11) “…much as possible.”

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards requests a major disaster declaration for Louisiana from the feds, citing numbers showing the state has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita.  

Edwards says new projections indicate the New Orleans area will run out of healthcare capacity by April 4th, and… 

Cut 13 (08) “…timeframe on that.”

The number of cases in the state sits at 1,388 with 46 deaths. There are 271 patients in hospital beds with confirmed cases and another 981 in beds who are awaiting results.  

President Trump has indicated he wants to get Americans out of their homes and working again by Easter, but Edwards says the only timelines he will follow are those given by the medical community.  

Cut 14 (09) “…to do here.”

Louisiana has spent 71 million dollars so far on direct COVID-19 responses.

Edwards reiterated his calls for “flattening the curve”, and says he’s encouraged by how serious the public has taken his call to stay home and limit interpersonal contact… 

Cut 15 (12) “…people to comply.”

Scam artists are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic, how can you protect yourself? Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

Some breweries have begun producing hand sanitizer that will be given to local doctors and retirement homes. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________

In times of crisis, scam artists will prey on your emotions and wallet and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. Cynthia Albert with the Better Business Bureau says con artists are using the phone, email and fake internet ads to sell all kinds of false goods.

Cut 3 (12)  “…in the mail.”  

Albert says if you have ordered something in the mail already, and it does show up she urges you not to use it because it could be extremely harmful to your health.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…they are.”

Another scam Albert warns of is a phishing email that says you are receiving a government check immediately requesting your bank account information.

Cut 5 (10)  “…in there.”

To report a fraud or scam related to COVID-19 call the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov. You can also check the Better Business Bureau’s website at bbb.org/scamtracker.

__________________________________________

It’s the first full day of Governor John Bel Edwards stay at home order. But Edwards says that doesn’t mean you lock yourself in your house, you can spend time outside in the year and playing with the kids

Cut 6 (05) “…encouraged”

Office of Public Health Medical Director Dr. Jim Hussey says to help stay sane and healthy during this period you should make a daily schedule, and keep to it.

Cut 7 (11) “…additional support.”

If you’ve had addiction issues, Hussey says now would definitely not be the time to restart old bad habits. He says if you’ve stopped smoking, don’t restart, and…

Cut 8 (09) “…health.”

____________________________________________________

A shortage of hand sanitizers has some local breweries and distilleries producing disinfectant. Founder of Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says they just received the greenlight from the feds and started making it today.

Cut 9 (08) “…ready to go″

The brewery is purchasing spirits from a local distillery and chemicals from local suppliers.  Knott says the hand sanitizer isn’t for sale though.

Cut 10 (11) “…things like that.”

The initial batch will be 55 gallons.  Knott says the only thing standing in the way of making more is a slowdown in the supply chain.

Cut 11 (09) “…quite a bit more”

The brewery is known for making unique craft beers with Boudin.  Knott says once they get the product to all the first responders, they may look into making boutique hand sanitizers.

_________________________________

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon issues an emergency rule designed to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Donelon says the rule means that insurance agencies must cover a telemedicine visit as they would for an in-person visit…

Cut 12 (12) “…rural areas”

Donelon says the emergency also requires insurers to cover mental health services via telemedicine to the extent they would cover in-person visits.

Cut 13 (12) “…psychiatrist”

Donelon says the order also waives restrictions requiring patients to only conduct telemedicine visits with providers in the insurer’s existing telemedicine network…

Cut 14 (09) “…telemedicine networks.”

Donelon says a patient will stay be required to pay a co-pay as they would for an in-person visit.

Louisiana State Police want the public to know the interstates are not closed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

 Louisiana’s chemical plants are still in operation after being deemed essential, but life at the plants looks a lot different these days…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart ” 

___________________________________________

There’s a number of reports out claiming combinations of existing medications can treat COVID-19, but one professional says it’s far too early to tell…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________________________

State Police and other law enforcement agencies have been inundated with phone calls pertaining to rumors of road closures related to mitigating the spread of COVID-19.  Lt. Nick Manale says while there may be road closures, it’s not because of some of the far-fetched rumors found on social media.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…that information post..”

Manale insists that the public get information from trusted, reliable sources.

Cut 5 (10)  “…state right now.”

Manale says there is no shortage of information being put out on Twitter and Facebook by state officials related to COVID-19.

Cut 6 (10) “…social media presences.”

____________________________________________

The state Department of Education opens the Child Care Assistance Program to support essential critical personnel during the response to COVID-19. Assistant State Superintendent of Education Jessica Baghian says the help is available to individuals in various critical roles.

Cut 7 (08) “…across the state.”

The Governor’s emergency proclamation closes schools at least through April 12^th.

Baghian says the local resource and referral center has access to a list of which licensed childcare facilities are open.

Cut 8 (13) “…out to us.”

Baghian says the program pays a subsidy and any difference between that amount and the price the care facility charges is the responsibility of the parent.

Cut 9 (09) “…cared for″

The program is available for kids 12 and younger.

______________________________________________

While much of the state’s workforce has been told to go home, Louisiana’s chemical plant employees are still on the job producing good needed to fight the virus.  

Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser says the Governor’s executive order included the chemical industry in a list of “essential” businesses.  

Cut 10 (10) “operate.”

Life at the plants looks a lot different these days. Bowser says access to facilities is being limited, worker’s temperatures are being checked on entry, shift sizes are now smaller, and… 

Cut 11 (10) “…spots”

Despite having over 1,100 state cases, Bowser says so far they’ve only had two confirmed cases of COVID-19 infected workers, but both had limited contact with facilities during their infectious period.  

Bowser says they may still be in operation but the longer this pandemic goes on, the more the global economy will slow, which means it will take a financial toll on Louisiana plants.  

Cut 12 (04) “August”

____________________________

Medical professionals and the Governor took on some of the public’s biggest questions Monday night about what we now know about COVID-19 just over two weeks since the state’s first reported case.  

The President has touted the potential of existing medications for COVID treatment, but Our Lady of the Lake Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says they need further testing, and… 

Cut 13 (12) “work”

Louisiana Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the state’s rate of case increase is remarkably high, and even with the containment measures that may not change in the next few days.  

Cut 14 (08) “virus.”

The state’s significant uptick in cases likely portends an increase in hospitalizations. Governor Edwards says finding enough personal protective equipment for healthcare workers is important, but… 

Cut 15 (06) “…it.”

If you’re showing COVID-19 symptoms you will likely be ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days, but O’Neal says new research has some good news for those infected… 

Cut 16  (10)  “…anymore.” 

A Louisiana professor has determined the Bayou State has the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Brooke Thorington more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

The National Federation of Independent Business indicates a sharp rise in the coronavirus pandemic’s negative impact on small businesses.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________

According to a UL-Lafayette study, Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Dr. Gary Wagner, Acadiana Business Economist Endowed Chair at UL-Lafayette says he compared the state’s numbers for the first 13 days to other recorded numbers of other cities and nations first two weeks.

Cut 3 (12)  “…in the world.”  

Wagner, who does not specialize in healthcare, has a few theories on why Louisiana is seeing a large growth of cases compared to other areas.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…other states.”

Wagner says he will continue to track to the statistics and share them with the Department of Health. At first, the cases were in the single digits but then they started to double daily.

Cut 5 (08)  “…ahead of it.”

__________________________________________

The National Federation of Independent Business says 76% of small businesses are now being negatively impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, up from 23% ten days ago. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says of those that are seeing disruption, the biggest factor to the increase is slowed sales.

Cut 6 (11) “…the last survey.”

Nine percent of small businesses cite sick employees for being a disruption for operations.

The level of concern has spiked significantly.  Starns says about 68% of small business owners are very concerned about COVID-19 compared to just 16% on the last survey.

Cut 7 (10) “…saying they are.”

The state has ordered that many businesses shut down in an effort to slow the spread.  Starns commends Governor Edwards handling of the pandemic, saying he’s been great at keep businesses in the loop.

Cut 8 (10) “…we can do.”

____________________________________________________

LSU says they will only have a limited number of essential personnel on campus as part of the governor’s stay-at-home order. Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says only a small number of students remain on campus… 

Cut 9 (10) “…them″

Some food service staff serving carry out bags and other select staff will also be permitted on campus.  

The campus is set to remain a ghost town through the end of the spring semester but Galligan says they’re willing to be flexible if the situation improves.  

Cut 10 (13) “…online”

Many are worried some of LSU’s most essential staff may not be taking the field come August if COVID-19 is still an issue by them. Galligan says if football must be canceled, they will, but hopefully, it won’t… 

Cut 11 (10) “…life.”

The football program brought in 55 million dollars last year.  
_________________________________

East Baton Rouge Coroner Beau Clark is reporting the first two COVID-19 deaths in Baton Rouge. One of the victims was a 90-year-old Mississippi resident who died at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Clark says the second victim was a 44-year-old female from Baton Rouge who had underlying health issues. He says she went to the hospital with complaints of shortness of breath and died on Sunday

Cut 12 (10) “…COVID-19”

Clark says asthma is an underlying health condition that could contribute to serious illness and possibly death from COVID-19. Most of the people who have died from the virus have had an underlying health condition. Clark says smokers are also at a higher risk

Cut 13 (12) “…respiratory illness”

___________________________________________________

The state is up to 1,172 Coronavirus cases, an increase from 335 the day before. There have been 34 deaths reported and 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting COVID-19 cases.  Governor Edwards says if your parish is not reporting a case that doesn’t mean COVID-19 is not present

Cut 14 (15) “…the country.”

The governor’s stay at home order goes into effect today at 5 PM and it will last until April 12th. Edwards on why it’s so important that people not gather in groups of ten or more…

Cut 15 (10) “…contact with.”

Children are preparing to transition into online learning as physical schools are shut down. Kevin Barnhart talks to an expert for tips to make the change easier.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

Governor Edwards, along with health experts and members of his administration will discuss Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 during a one-hour program that will air on radio and TV stations starting at 7 PM tonight. Kevin Barnhart has more..

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Governor Edwards issues a statewide shelter in place order as Louisiana’s case count increases by ten fold over the last week.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________________________

As children prepare to venture into the world of online learning, the experts are recommending a few tips and tricks for making the transition away from the traditional classroom an easier one.  Head of Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy Danielle Scott says make sure children have a designated area for learning.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…the TV on.”

Children need a routine, so Scott says it is important for parents to create a schedule together with their child.

Cut 5 (11)  “…play time”

Scott says when parents observe their child struggling, they need to resist the urge to help them immediately.

Cut 6 (13) “…they’re working on.”

____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards will take to radio and television airwaves tonight at 7PM for a one-hour broadcast to address Louisiana’s fight against the spread of COVID-19. Edwards’ spokesperson Shauna Sanford says the goal is to answer many of the questions the public has about the pandemic.

Cut 7 (12) “…who are unemployed.”

There will be no audience at the LPB studio, but Edwards and a health professional along with other guests will answer questions from the public that were sent in over the weekend.

Cut 8 (10) “…as possible”

In addition to health-related questions, Sanford says they will also discuss mental health as well.

Cut 9 (12) “…every facet″

The hour-long broadcast will be streamed at gov.la.gov as well as LPB.org.

______________________________________________

Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says their health system is prepared to handle a potential influx of COVID-19 patients. Despite reports of hospitals lacking personal protective equipment and not enough respirators, Thomas says they are in good shape right now.

Cut 10 (11) “equipment.”

Thomas says they’ve already begun sourcing new beds to increase their capacity should a surge of patients arrive.

Cut 11 (10) “…other regions”

Thomas says their estimates show the system can handle patients without being overloaded, assuming every Louisianan heeds the Governor’s call to for social distancing.

Cut 12 (11) “concern”

New Orleans is mandating its residents to stay at home unless they are heading to work an “essential” job, or leaving for a “critical” need like groceries. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has shut down salons, spas, and tattoo parlors.

____________________________

Governor Edwards issues a statewide shelter in place order, and the closure of all “non-essential” businesses in Louisiana saying drastic measures are needed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The order does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and allows for restaurants to serve takeout or drive-through meals, but for individuals…

Cut 13 (12) “go out.”

A complete listing of ordered closures is available at gov.Louisiana.gov.

There will be no checkpoints or enforcement of travel restrictions, but the Governor is asking people to be good neighbors and follow the order, or we will see an untenable spike in cases.

Cut 14 (11) “risk group.”

Daily updates on positive tests and reported deaths will also now be given once a day at 12PM, instead of the twice-daily updates that have been issued over the last week.

Edwards says two weeks ago we had zero COVID-19 cases. One week ago we had 91 confirmed cases. As of Sunday 837 confirmed cases and twenty deaths, a ten times increase in seven days.

Cut 15 (09) “…Louisiana.”

COVID-19 cases have been found in 36 parishes.

Edwards says he’s counting on Louisianans even in parts of the state without a large confirmed number of cases to be unselfish and follow the order or we will replicate Italy’s deadly outcome.

Cut 16  (12)  “…problem.” 

The order takes effect Monday at 5 PM.

_________________________________

Safety Malcolm Jenkins is glad to be back with the Saints again. New Orleans selected Jenkins with the 14th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft and helped the Saints win a Super Bowl in his rookie season. Jenkins spent his first five seasons in New Orleans and then went to Philadelphia for six seasons and won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. After he was cut by Philly, he signed a four-year deal to return to the Saints and he’s glad to be back

cut 17  (20) “…again” 

Jenkins says he still has a home in New Orleans and his foundation has still been involved in food drives and given out scholarships over the last six years.

At 32-years-old Jenkins, is much older than the other starters in the secondary, Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams. Jenkins says he’s yet to talk with the Saints about his role as a leader…

Cut 18  (20) “…that is.”   

The state is offering free mental health counseling to help people manage anxiety from the COVID-19 crisis. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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 Crawfish farmers say COVID-19 couldn’t have come at a worse time for the industry. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards delivers a sober analysis of where the New Orleans area may be heading under current worst case projections…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Louisiana Department of Health is offering free counseling for anyone experiencing stress or anxiety from the COVID-19 outbreak. Medical Director for the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health Dr. James Hussey says the line is open 24 hours a day with trained counselors.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…if necessary.”

Hussey says while we are all on alert for symptoms of the coronavirus, undue stress can also cause physical symptoms that many do not realize are side effects of anxiety.

Cut 5 (12)  “…if you will.”

The line is free and confidential, and Hussey says the option of phone counseling helps decrease the chances of the physical spread of the virus.

Cut 6 (12) “…good information.”

You can call the Keeping Calm Through COVID hotline at 1-866-310-7977

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The crawfish industry is suffering major losses as the state goes into partial shutdown during the heart of crawfish season.

Vermillion Parish farmer Christian Richard says Lent is always their best time of the year, and having restaurant closings and social distancing in place at this time is painful for farmers…

Cut 7 (09) “…tp wind down.”

The industry was already seeing lower than normal demand, and thus lower prices so far this year.

Richard says large social gatherings, like a traditional boil, maybe off-limits but if you’re craving crawfish the crop is still widely available, and easy to make at home with your largest pot or pan.

Cut 8 (10) “…to accommodate you.”

Richard says if the governor wants to help out farmers, he’d allow food stamp recipients to use their benefits to buy crawfish.

Cut 9 (08) “…up more business.″

He adds it will be vital that peeling facilities are kept open so that this year’s crop can at least be frozen for the rest of the year.

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Governor Edwards warns healthcare capacity in the New Orleans area could be surpassed within the next seven to ten days under a worst case COVID-19 spread scenario.

Edwards says it is early but the region’s trajectory of case growth is basically the same as Italy’s was in the same period of the outbreak.

Cut 10 (06) “making that.”

Italy has surpassed China to lead the world in COVID-19 related deaths at 3,405.

The Governor says it’s an unusual disaster situation for the state to be in, because normally in times of crisis we can call on help from the outside, but now…

Cut 11 (10) “…country”

Texas is reporting 278 total positive tests so far, while Arkansas has 62, and Mississippi has 50. Louisiana has 392.

New Orleans now rivals Seattle in per capita cases of COVID-19, and Edwards says the city is even beating other major metro areas in raw numbers.

Cut 12 (14) “population.”

Orleans Parish is home to 249 confirmed cases.

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Three state parks are being used to house people who are awaiting their coronavirus test results.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the test subjects that are being brought are those from nursing homes, the homeless, and people that just don’t have anywhere else to go.

Cut 13 (10) “to be treated.”

Nungesser says the use of individual cabins is a better idea than using hotel rooms for the same purpose.

Cut 14 (13) “…use it again.”

Nungesser says all the food and supplies will be furnished to those at state parks will be furnished by officials.

Cut 15 (08) “…to do that.”

Oil prices continue their steep collapse, falling before 21 dollars a barrel last night before rebounding back up a few dollars today. Matt Doyle has more on what that means for the state…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Gun shops are finding it hard to keep their shelves stocked. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The price of oil is hovering in the mid 20 dollars a barrel, prices not seen since the early 2000s.  The price collapse is hammering the industry, and Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs says this will have a direct effect on industry workers.

Cut 3 (11)  “…unsettling.”  

Last night the price of oil dropped below 21 dollars a barrel, and Briggs says America’s oil sector cannot operate at sub 40 dollar a barrel prices for long.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…on”

Briggs warns that even if the COVID crisis breaks in the next few weeks, American industry is still threatened by Russia and OPEC, who are purposefully overproducing to deflate prices.

Cut 5 (06)  “…future.”
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The state is reporting eight deaths and 347 positive coronavirus cases an increase of 67 from yesterday. There are four new parishes reporting cases, West Baton Rouge, St. James, Plaquemines and Lafayette. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory called a press conference last night to announce their first positive cases…

Cut 6 (11) “…national leaders”

Dr. Tina Stefanski, regional medical director of the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, says they expect the number of cases to climb. Stefanski says now is the time for people to really follow the advice of health experts, wash your hands, practice social distancing and stay home if sick…

Cut 7 (13) “…this region”

New Orleans leads the state with 231 positive tests for coronavirus. Lafayette has just two cases so Stefanski says there’s no evidence of community spread in Acadiana…

Cut 8 (09) “…may change.”

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Guns and ammo sales are seeing a huge surge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Owner of Meaux Guns in Baton Rouge Joe Meaux says the access to ammo is restricted as supply is struggling to keep up with demand at gun shops across the state.

Cut 9 (10) “…to get from.″

Meaux says he’s seeing more first-time gun owners making purchases as well as casual gun owners coming in and stocking up.  Three categories of firearms are seeing the most demand.

Cut 10 (12) “…shooters to shoot.”

Meaux says background checks are also being slowed down by the surge.

Cut 11 (08) “…on those too.”

According to ammo.com, Louisiana’s increase in ammo sales is only being outpaced by Delaware and Oklahoma.
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Congress is rushing to complete an economic stimulus package to help an economy heading towards a recession. Senator John Kennedy says the White House is calling for a family of four to receive a three-thousand dollar check and that money would arrive as a direct deposit in three weeks

Cut 12 (12) “…mid-May”

The economic stimulus package that being discussed could one-trillion dollars or more. Kennedy says it will also contain money for businesses to help them keep employees on the payroll

Cut 13 (12) “…will help”

Kennedy says they are also looking to help small businesses as they plan to provide 300-billion dollars in government-guaranteed loans to small businesses and they will be administered through banks

Cut 14 (11) “…get it.”