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”

A statewide mask mandate goes into effect today. That means residents eight years and up should wear a mask when they are unable to socially distance themselves from others outside of their household. The governor has also ordered all bars closed to onsite consumption as the state has moved to third in the country for per capita coronavirus cases. Governor Edwards says based on contact tracing at least 36 outbreaks started in bars…
cut 6 (11) “….to hear them”
Assistant State Health Officer, Doctor Joe Kanter, says persons between the ages of 18 to 29 continue to see the most new cases and there’s evidence they are spreading the virus to older, sicker people
Cut 12 (07) increase in deaths”
The state is reporting over 33-hundred deaths.

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.”

Starting today, Lousiana residents eight years old and up are required to wear a mask when indoors and outdoors and you cannot be physically distant from others. Governor John Bel Edwards says many might not agree with this order, but he says research shows face masks can slow the spread of COVID-19…
Cut 4 (12)_ “will happen”
Some say mask mandates violate our personal liberties and others contend it does not protect you from COVID and wearing masks for long period can exasperate breathing issues. But Regional Public Health director for Acadiana, Doctor Tina Stefanski, the best way to beat the virus without closing businesses back down again is by wearing masks
Cut 11 (11) “…level of transmission”

The House Education Committee will discuss the reopening of schools in August during a 10 o’clock meeting at the state capitol today. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Matt Doyle”

BESE meets tomorrow. The state’s top school board is expected to decide whether they’ll require students to wear face masks. The state education department has recommended mask wearing for students in third grade and above.