The state reports just over 1700 new COVID-19 cases, bring the total to just shy of 80,000. The presumed recovered number updated every Monday is now at 46,334. Hospitalizations increase to 1,308.

This sustained rise in cases prompted the Governor’s weekend order mandating face mask use inside all businesses and public facilities. The order comes with a few exemptions from wearing a mask, including people with certain medical conditions. Edwards says he is relying on businesses to help with encouraging individuals to mask up.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…they are trespassing.”

Some Republican legislators are frustrated with the declaration. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says Governor Edwards did not consult with them about the decision and is not responsive to lawmakers concerns about his unilateral decision-making process when it comes to the pandemic.

Cut 8 (08) “…Governor”

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley tells the House Education Committee that reopening schools next month during a pandemic will be a monumental task, but they’ve provided local school systems with guidance on how it can be done. Brumley says it all starts with good hygiene

Cut 9 (10) “…possible”

A decision will be made at tomorrow’s BESE meeting as to whether or not masks will be mandated.

The Lake Charles region has fewer than two dozen ICU beds available as the area has been slammed by rising COVID-19 cases. Region Five Regional Public Health Medical Director Lacey Cavanaugh says 67 of their 89 ICU beds are in use…

Cut 12 (11) “…shortages.”

Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis, and Cameron Parish all have a COVID incident rate of over 240 per 100,000, some of the highest in the state.

State and federal personal, partnership, and corporate income tax returns for 2019 are due Wednesday State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley provides the House Education Committee with the guidelines on reopening schools safely…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Lake Charles region is running low on ICU beds as COVID cases stack up with only 22 beds still available. Region Five Regional Public Health Medical Director Lacey Cavanaugh says part of the issue is Lake Charles recent spike in cases began earlier than the rest of the state’s.

Cut 14 (10) “…Memorial Day”

Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate is now in effect and all people entering a business or public building must wear masks when social distancing is not an option. The move has generated a lot of controversy with some Republican lawmakers threatening action against the order. One of those is Oil City Representative Danny McCormick who says the order is an assault on people’s liberty and overreach by the Governor, who is making these decisions without input from lawmakers.

Cut 7 (08) “people.”

But Governor Edwards told residents over the weekend that if they don’t like the mandate, that’s fine, but they still gotta mask up. Edwards says the mandate if followed, will save lives.

Cut 5 (12)  “…me, criticize me.”

Only three parishes are exempt from the mandate due to the per capita infection rate, but mask-wearing is still very much encouraged.  Grant, Red River, and West Feliciana parishes have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people.

Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate is now in effect.  The new order comes following the state reporting some of the highest new daily case counts of the pandemic.  Edwards says the timing of when mask-wearing is required is clear.

Cut 3 (05)  “…distant from others..”  

The order comes with a few exemptions from wearing a mask, including people with certain medical conditions.

Opponents of the Governor’s statewide mask mandate say Governor Edwards should not have the authority to make decisions like this by himself. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is a signee of a Legislative effort to suspend the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. He says Edwards’ order is an attack on liberty.

Cut 6 (10) “…rights”

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley tells the House Education Committee that reopening schools next month during a pandemic will be a monumental task, but they’ve provided local school systems with guidance on how it can be done. Schools have been closed to in-classroom instruction since Governor Edwards shut down campuses last March. Brumley admits the long time away from the classroom has produced some level of learning loss

Cut 11 (11) “…and math.”

The Lake Charles region has fewer than two dozen ICU beds available as the area has been slammed by rising COVID-19 cases. Lake Charles, Jefferson Davis, and Cameron Parish all have a COVID incident rate of over 240 per 100,000, some of the highest in the state. Region Five Regional Public Health Medical Director Lacey Cavanaugh says that’s causing hospitalizations to pile up.

Cut 13 (09) “…closely.” 

How will the state enforce its new mask mandate? Kevin Barnhart has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Some Republican legislators are frustrated with the declaration. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says Governor Edwards did not consult with them about the decision and is not responsive to lawmakers concerns about his unilateral decision-making process when it comes to the pandemic.

Cut 8 (08) “…Governor”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley laid out the thought process for returning to school next month. He says one positive coronavirus case will not shut down a school, but several cases could lead to a temporary closure

Cut 10 (07) “   through this” 

Brumley also says they are also recommending face masks for students in grades three through 12. BESE is meeting tomorrow to discuss whether that is going to be a mandate or just a recommendation for districts.

The Lake Charles region has fewer than two dozen ICU beds available as the area has been slammed by rising COVID-19 cases. Region Five Regional Public Health Medical Director Lacey Cavanaugh says 67 of their 89 ICU beds are in use…

Cut 12 (11) “…shortages.”

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley provides the House Education Committee with the guidelines on reopening schools safely. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  
The state reports just over 1700 new COVID-19 cases, bring the total to just shy of 80,000. The presumed recovered number updated every Monday is now at 46,334. Hospitalizations increase to 1,308. Fatalities increase by 7 to a statewide total of 3,315.

Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate is now in effect.  The new order comes following the state reporting some of the highest new daily case counts of the pandemic.  Face coverings are required both indoors and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. The order comes with a few exemptions, including people with certain medical conditions. Edwards says he knows that the mask mandate will be controversial, but adds he believes the people Louisiana will be resilient.
Cut 5 (12)  “…me, criticize me.”

Opponents of the Governor’s statewide mask mandate say Governor Edwards should not have the authority to make decisions like this by himself. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is a signee of a Legislative effort to suspend the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. McCormick says the Governor should not have the authority to make such an important decision unilaterally.
Cut 7 (08) “people.”

The state reports just over 1700 new COVID-19 cases, bring the total to just shy of 80,000. The presumed recovered number updated every Monday is now at 46,334. Current hospitalizations increase to 1,308. Fatalities increase by 7 to a statewide total of 3,315.

Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate is now in effect.  The new order comes following the state reporting some of the highest new daily case counts of the pandemic.  Face coverings are required both indoors and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. The order comes with a few exemptions, including people with certain medical conditions. Edwards says he is relying on businesses to help with encouraging individuals to mask up.
Cut 4 (07)_ “…they are trespassing.”
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow, is herd immunity a possible answer? Matt Doyle reports the state health department says no…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate is now in effect.  The new order comes following the state reporting some of the highest new daily case counts of the pandemic.  Edwards says the timing of when mask-wearing is required is clear.

Cut 3 (05)  “…distant from others..”  

Only three parishes are exempt from the mandate due to the per capita infection rate, but mask-wearing is still very much encouraged.  Grant, Red River, and West Feliciana parishes have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people.

Opponents of the Governor’s statewide mask mandate say Governor Edwards should not have the authority to make decisions like this by himself. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is a signee of a Legislative effort to suspend the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. He says Edwards’ order is an attack on liberty.

Cut 6 (10) “…rights”

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley tells the House Education Committee that reopening schools next month during a pandemic will be a monumental task, but they’ve provided local school systems with guidance on how it can be done. Brumley says it all starts with good hygiene

Cut 9 (10) “…possible”

Brumley says they are also recommending that students in grades three through 12 wear face masks.

And young adults are still the primary driver of this recent explosion in cases, with Louisiana nearing 80,000 total confirmed positive tests since the start of the pandemic. Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Joe Kanter, says those young adults are catching the virus and passing it along to older residents who are then getting very, very sick.

Cut 12 (07)      increase in deaths” 

The state is reporting over 33-hundred deaths.

There is a statewide mask mandate in place as new COVID-19 guidelines take effect today. Businesses are expected to tell their customers they must have a mask on while inside their location. Governor Edwards says the order exempts people with certain medical conditions from wearing a mask, but he says if that’s the case you shouldn’t be near people outside of your household anyways…
Cut 5 (07) “…under any circumstances”

Louisiana is reporting 78-thousand coronavirus cases. The state has four-point-six million people, which means two-percent of the state’s residents have tested positive. Regional public health director for Acadiana, Doctor Tina Stefanski, says if you think herd immunity is the answer for this virus, we are not close…
Cut 10 (10) “…have recovered”

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward and other SEC Commissioners meet today in Birmingham to discuss the upcoming football season. LHSAA Commissioner Eddie Bonine will speak to the House Education Committee at 10:00 AM. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo is hopeful high school sports can be played this fall…
cut 9 (08) “….health”
Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields has said fall sports should be canceled.

A recent study shows 73% of pet owners are concerned about returning to work and spending time away from their pets and 59% are worried their dog or cat may suffer from separation anxiety. LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn says if you are heading back to work soon, prep your pets for that transition.
Cut 13 (08) “…then come back.”

A mask is now required for individuals when they are inside a business or outdoors and unable to keep a distance from others…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The governor has ordered all bars closed to in-person consumption. And also indoor social gatherings have been limited to no more than 50 people, except at churches. The previous limit on indoor gatherings was 250.

Louisiana is third in the nation in the number of infections per capita and the state’s death toll has surpassed 33-hundred.

Lousiana’s education and health leaders along with the head of the LHSAA will speak today at a House Education Committee meeting about reopening schools and getting kids back on the athletic fields. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo encourages parents to watch the 10 AM meeting on the state’s legislative website.
Cut 7 (11) “…reopen.”

A recent poll found that 59-percent of pet owners are concerned their pet may suffer from separation anxiety when they return to the office. LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community Practice Nancy Welborn suggests giving your pet something to play with to help take their mind off the fact that you are leaving…
cut 15 (11) “….different options”

New coronavirus requirements are in effect today. Everyone over the age of eight is required to wear a mask outside of the home, bars are closed but can provide curbside pickup and indoor social gathers are limited to 50 people. Louisiana reported 13-hundred new COVID cases yesterday and hospitalizations rose by another 61.

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow, is herd immunity a possible answer? Matt Doyle reports the state health department says no…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley will discuss the guidelines the department has provided to local school districts on reopening schools next month at today’s House Education Committee meeting. Chairman Ray Garofalo says school officials will lay out exactly what a potential “hybrid model” of education would look like, and how much off-campus learning would be required.
Cut 8 (05) “…classroom”
The meeting will start at 10 AM and it can be viewed on the state’s legislative website.

If you’ve been working at home, but planning to return to the office. How concerned are you about your pet experiencing separation anxiety? A new poll found 59-percent of pet owners are worried. LSU Vet School Assistant Professor of Community practice Nancy Welborn says shake up the daily routine, as pets, especially dogs, can pick up on the patterns that indicate when someone is leaving…
cut 14 (11) “…the night before”