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 has reported an additional presumptive case of the coronavirus bringing our total to 14. U-S Surgeon General Jerome Adams visited with Louisiana leaders today and said if you believe someone should be tested for the coronavirus, call your health care provider…
Cut 10 (14) “…back quickly”
Governor Edwards says he has not been tested since he has no symptoms and has not come into contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

The stock market continued to plummet today as the Dow has reached a bear market. Tulane Finance Professor Peter Ricchiutti says for older investors, investment allocation is the key…
Cut 7 (11) “…the stock market.”

Stress levels are rising as the number of COVID-19 cases grows. Matt Doyle spoke with an LSU Health New Orleans expert about how to manage that stress…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Sports fans are going to have a difficult time over the next couple of weeks. The NBA has suspended its season. SEC schools will not hold any games until at least March 30th. LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s explained to the players on how they should put it into perspective…
cut 13 (08) “…baseball games canceled”
Conference USA and the Southland Conference have also halted play.

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.”

The state has reported an additional presumptive case of the coronavirus bringing our total to 14. The office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says 11 of the cases are from Orleans Parish…
cut 5 (12) “…New Orleans area”
The other patients are from Jefferson, Lafourche and Caddo Parish. Iberia Parish was once on the list, but it has been removed.

Congress is seeking to pass an economic stimulus package to prevent a prolonged economic slowdown. President Trump has proposed a payroll tax cut. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s unsure about the idea.
Cut 7 (10) “…anyway”

LSU is encouraging the campus community not to travel for Spring Break…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The NBA has suspended its season, fans are not allowed at NCAA Basketball Tournament games, including the women’s Final Four in New Orleans. The SEC will not have fans at games on their campuses through March 30th. The LHSAA is still allowing fans to watch state basketball tournament games at the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. But that’s subject to change.

Governor John Bel Edwards has said we’ll see updated coronavirus case numbers at 9 AM. But as of 9 AM today the number of cases is holding steady at 13. Ten of the patients are from Orleans, one from Jefferson, one from LaFourche and one from Caddo Parish.

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is asking the public not to visit their loved ones in a nursing home. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Health New Orleans about the request…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Tulane, Loyola, and UNO have transitioned to online classes. LSU is still holding regular classes, but they’ve asked students and faculty not to travel for spring break. Shola from Baton Rouge has scrapped her travel plans. She says developments in recent days have changed her outlook on just how serious the virus is.
Cut 14 (11) “…get a notification.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost another two-thousand point today and for the second time, this week trading has been halted after triggering a circuit breaker. Some employers are asking their workers to work from home. We haven’t seen schools close because of the pandemic, Senator Bill Cassidy says that could lead to a parent losing income…
cut 9 (08) “….child”

State officials announce the number of presumptive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana has grown to 13. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The NBA is suspending its season until further notice. As of now, the NCAA Basketball Tournament will be played, but fans will not be allowed in arenas. That includes the women’s final four in New Orleans April third and fifth. The SEC has also decided to keep fans away for its contests through March 30th.

There are three presumptive positive COVID-19 cases at a New Orleans retirement home. This news, plus the deadly outbreak connected with a Seattle-area nursing home prompted the Louisiana Nursing Home Association to prohibit the public from entering their facilities until further notice. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says that means even if you aren’t showing symptoms…
Cut 10 (07) “…transmitting it.”

Spring Break is coming and LSU is asking students and faculty to consider canceling any travel plans they may have. Some of the students we spoke with say they are now staying put. Reese from New Orleans says his Spring Break travel plans have already fallen through due to a Miami music festival cancelation.
Cut 13 (09) “…first world problem.”
LSU says they know some students will travel, so they are considering whether to close school for awhile after spring break.