A fourth Louisianan has died of COVID-19, this time another resident of a New Orleans based nursing home as the state registers 171 positive cases of the virus. As the numbers grow, so too does the state’s response, with a mandate that all restaurants switch to carry out only, and all gyms and bars shut their doors until April 13^th. The Governor also asks residents not to panic about food shortages. He says that’s not going to happen.

Cut 11 (13) “…of time”

Edwards noted the April 13^th timeline could be extended another 13 days.

That fourth death should be a reminder to everyone about the importance of social distancing.  Our Lady of the Lake Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says to save your vulnerable friends and family, you need to put COVID-19 on your calendar…

Cut 13 (11) “remotely.”

The 2020 Legislative Session is suspended until March 31^st after a 100-1 vote in the House yesterday. Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop says it’s in the public, and lawmaker’s best interest.

Cut 9 (09) “…people of Louisiana.″

Bishop noted that it would be awful hard to get 53 votes to pass any legislation when the state is banning gatherings of more than 50 people.

One person who is not happy about everything shutting down for COVID-19? Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Higgins blasted Governor Edwards for ordering the closures of everything from movie theaters to casinos and more. Higgins says it’s hard to comprehend the Edwards’s decisions.

Cut 3 (10)  “…they’re not stupid.”  

Higgins says there is no statute to charge businesses under if they chose to stay open.

The number of coronavirus cases in Louisiana is up to 171 and now four people have died from COVID-19 based on information released this morning by the state department of health. Two of the four people who have died, lived at the Lambeth House assisted living facility in New Orleans.

The rising number of deaths is why Governor John Bel Edwards has put new restrictions in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theaters and casinos are closed, and restaurants are limited to carry out and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus Edwards has also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen…
Cut 10 (13) “…week.”

There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the COVID-19 crisis is making it difficult for some people to take care of their pets. Strain says unless you absolutely cannot care for your pet, don’t turn it over to the state, or set it loose.
Cut 4 (05)_ “pet.”
Strain says your pet can not be infected with COVID-19, but pets may temporarily harbor the virus on its coat or other areas of the pet’s body. He says if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, allow a family member to care for your pets.

An official announcement is expected today from the Southeastern Conference that its baseball and softball championship events are canceled. And athletics director Scott Woodward says the financial impact of sports cancellations are not a concern, adding that ticket holders will see money coming back for games that were not played, it just may take a little time…
cut 16 (08) “…refund your tickets”

You can not sit in a restaurant today as a result of Governor John Bel Edwards’ mandate that has limited restaurants to delivery and takeout. But Edwards says the country’s food supply chain is intact and efficient and grocery stores are not in danger of completely running out of food…
cut 11 (13) “…of time”
Edwards has also shut down bars, casinos, movie theaters, and fitness center.

And the Louisiana Legislature has adjourned until March 31st. Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop told the House that mathematically there is no way to get business done if following CDC guidelines that limit public gatherings…
cut 7 (11) “…to pass anything”
When lawmakers return, they’ll need to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says the coronavirus pandemic raises plenty of questions on the impact on LSU sports. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Sun Belt Conference has announced that spring sports have been canceled for the remainder of the year. Conference USA has made the same decision due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

And Organizers with the Festival International de Louisiane has canceled the five-day music festival that was set to begin April 22nd in Lafayette.

Bars, casinos, gyms, and fitness centers are closed today in response to the state’s effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurants can only offer delivery or take out. The state is reporting 136 cases of COVID 19 and the virus has been confirmed in eleven parishes. But Governor Edwards expects every parish will soon be impacted…
cut 12 (15) “….in the country”

Edwards has banned public gatherings of 50 people or more. Senator Bill Cassidy, who is also a doctor, is urging residents to listen to the governor. He says these restrictions are the only way to minimize the number of lives lost.

State lawmakers have returned to their districts as the 2020 regular session has been suspended until March 31st. Lake Charles Republican Phillip Tarver is the only legislator to object because he says adjournment is the wrong message to send to citizens and they must continue to conduct the state’s business…
cut 8 (08) “….citizens to do”
Lawmakers will have to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says he wants to see the spring sports athletes get another year of eligibility after seeing their seasons cut short as a result of the coronavirus. The NCAA has already indicated this will happen. He says there are about 120 student-athletes remaining on campus and some services are open to them, like the cafeteria…
cut 15 (13) “…as we are talking”

Governor Edwards is mandating restaurants can only provide carryout or delivery service and all bars and gyms are closed until April 13th to bolster social distancing efforts…
Cut 2 (50) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the American Veterinary Medical Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking that COVID-patients give their pets to a family member.
cut 5 (11) “…body”
Strain says if you can’t give your pet up for a short time, maintain a safe distance from your pet and frequently wash your hands before and after contact with your pet.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says it is highly unlikely that spring sports will resume, so the focus is trying to address the many unknowns revolving around how the coronavirus could impact fall sports.
Cut 14 (12) “…is being discussed.”
LSU is still keeping its training room open so players can get medical care or treatment.

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced new restrictions that could be in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theathers and casinos are closed, and all restaurants are limited to drive-thru, pick-up and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Louisiana has 136 COVID-19 postive cases and three people have died. Edwards also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen…
Cut 10 (13) “…week.”
Doctor Catherine O’Neal an infectious disease specialist at Out Lady of the Lake Hospital, says they expect the infection will spread across the state, so take the proper precations…
cut 13 (11) “…remotely”

The American Veterinary Medical Association is asking those infected with COVID-19 to hand their pets over to family. Matt Doyle on what the C-D-C is saying…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

After the recommendations of the CDC, the Louisiana Legislature has adjourned until at least March 31.  Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop spoke to the House and says mathematically, there is no way to get business done if following CDC guidelines.
Cut 7 (11) “…to pass anything.”
Lake Charles Republican Phillip Tarver objected to the adjournment saying it is the wrong message to send to citizens and it is the duty as leaders of the state to conduct business.
Cut 8 (08) “…citizens to do.”
The resolution of adjournment was adopted a 100 to 1 vote.    Bishop says the move is in the best interest of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut 9 (09) “…people of Louisiana.″

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says initially the plan was for the session to continue, with social distancing enforced and to check those who enter the Capitol for a fever but it’s the right call because it only would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…

Cut 10 (11) “situation.”

Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned. However a budget will still need to be passed by July 1^st, but…

Cut 11 (08) “budget.”

Louisiana is up to 136 positive COVID-19 cases, and is now reporting it’s third death, a victim at a New Orleans area nursing home. One of those new cases was the first in the Capital Region, found in Ascension Parish. Governor Edwards has also issued a new series of business restrictions, calling for the closure of gyms and bars, along with the closure of dining rooms for restaurants. Restaurants will be confined to providing curbside pickup take out options until April 13^th, with a 13-day extension possible. All gatherings of 50 or more people are banned by the state, while are gatherings of ten or more are not recommended by the CDC. Casinos in Louisiana will be ceasing gaming operations tonight at midnight for at least the next two weeks as the coronavirus continues to impact Louisiana.  Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says the casinos were notified this was likely to happen, adding owners have been very supportive.

Cut 7 (13) “…of everything else.”

Legislative leaders have decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 session until March 31st due to COVID-19 concerns.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s the right call because it only would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…

Cut 10 (11) “situation.”

Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned.

Many people are finding ways to work from home in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  Tech Gumbo host Haggai Davis says the internet infrastructure is there to handle the influx of web traffic, but other hurdles remain with equipment availability and other tech issues. Davis believes a lot more people are going to become more comfortable with working from home as it is becoming an easier process.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…handle this capability.”

Louisiana is up to 136 positive COVID-19 cases, and is now reporting it’s third death, a victim at a New Orleans area nursing home. One of those new cases was the first in the Capital Region, found in Ascension Parish.

Governor Edwards has also issued a new series of business restrictions, calling for the closure of gyms and bars, along with the closure of dining rooms for restaurants.

Restaurants will be confined to providing curbside pickup take out options until April 13^th, with a 13 day extension possible. All gatherings of 50 or more people are banned by the state, while are gatherings of ten or more are no recommended by the CDC.

The Senate has also agreed to a House resolution to suspend the 2020 legislative session until March 31^st. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s the right call

Cut 9 (11) “…contact″

Casinos in Louisiana will be ceasing gaming operations tonight at midnight for at least the next two weeks as the coronavirus continues to impact Louisiana.  Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says the decision comes after discussions with the Governor’s staff throughout the weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…public health standpoint.”

Jones estimates the lost state revenue will be about $1.6 million each day of the closure.

The Louisiana Department of Education will continue serving meals during the statewide school shutdown.  Assistant State Superintendent Catherine Pozniak says the food service is made possible by waivers from the federal government, adding that more schools are working out the details of exactly how to best serve food.

Cut 13 (12) “…to four days.”

Louisiana now has 132 cases of positive tested COVID-19, per capita one of the highest rates in the nation. That growing threat has led to the temporary adjournment of the 2020 legislative session until March 31^st, and Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned. However a budget will still need to be passed by July 1^st, but…

Cut 11 (08) “budget.”

The Louisiana Department of Education will continue serving meals during the statewide school shutdown. Assistant State Superintendent Catherine Pozniak says the meals at designated sites are open to all children, regardless of where they are enrolled in school.

Cut 14 (11) “…age of 22.”

Schools will remain closed until April 13^th.

For the first time in the state’s history, gaming operations for all 20 casinos in Louisiana will be closed for at least two weeks.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is asking Louisianans not to abandon their pets during the COVID-19 crisis and if you do get infected, to hand them over to friends or family. Strain says unless you absolutely cannot care for your pet, don’t turn it over to the state, or set it loose because shelters are beginning to fill up, and if you receive a pet from an infected family member, Strain says you need to disinfect it.