The state’s largest blood center, Lifeshare, reports they are running low on blood due to a lack of donations. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
_____________________________________
Governor Edwards has issued several guidelines and closures during the virus outbreak that some claim overstep his authority. Attorney General Jeff Landry offered his input. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”
___________________________________________
As the number of COVID-19 cases rises in Louisiana the Governor says the state is looking at all of it’s options to respond to the potentially impending healthcare emergency…
Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barhnart”
____________________________________________
New Orleans ranks second only to Seattle among US cities in per capita coronavirus cases. Health experts say Mardi Gras was the ideal combination of factors to dovetail the number of COVID-19 infections. Chair of the Global Community Health Department of Tulane’s School of Public Health Dr. Richard Oberhelman says the first factor is the international attraction of tourists.
Cut 4 (05)_ “…was being transmitted.”
By greeting others and passing food and drinks around, Oberhelman says hand contamination is likely to have been the main culprit of spread.
Cut 5 (08) “…to somebody else.”
Oberhelman says the risk of spread wasn’t just limited to indoor activities such as Mardi Gras balls.
Cut 6 (09) “…lead to spread.”
When Carnival season wrapped three weeks ago, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, but asymptomatic carriers may have relayed the spread to others in the time since.
____________________________________________
Blood centers are reporting that COVID-19 is causing a critical shortage of blood donations.
Lifeshare spokesperson Ben Prijatel says March is usually a busy month for blood centers, but…
Cut 7 (07) “…as well.”
That’s led to a loss of 4,000 scheduled blood donations during March, the biggest hit coming from the suspension of schools. 1 in 5 donors are teens.
Hospitals may be preparing to take an influx of coronavirus patients, but Prijatel says that doesn’t mean your routine procedures and patients won’t still need help.
Cut 8 (12) “…august.”
Blood also cannot be refrigerated for longer than 42 days per the Red Cross, so a steady supply is needed.
Prijatel says they still need people to come in for donations despite the COVID crisis. He says they’re screening all donors, and know you can still socially distance while donating…
Cut 9 (08) “…a time.″
______________________________________________
On Wednesday Attorney General Jeff Landy joined Governor Edwards during coronavirus his update. Some say the Governor is overstepping his authority by closing some businesses and limiting public gatherings. In a bipartisan stance, Landy backs the Governor.
Cut 10 (14) “is yes.”
Republican Congressman Clay Higgins has been extremely vocal about the Democratic Governor’s authority during the pandemic and a Central Church leader is openly defying the Governor with large church services. Landy says the Governor has the authority under the present situation.
Cut 11 (12) “…the public”
Landry also warned the public, especially seniors, that scam artists are taking advantage of the situation and preying on unsuspecting people.
Cut 12 (12) “…our hotline.”
That number is 1-800-351-4889
____________________________
280 Louisianans have tested positive for COVID-19, 196 of those in New Orleans as the state substantially increased it’s testing capacity over the past few days.
Governor Edwards says people should mentally prepare for the possibility of enhanced mitigation measures, as they become necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Cut 13 (11) “place.”
Several cities and counties nationwide have ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses for a several week period as their cases increased.
The state has established a staging area for coronavirus patients who don’t need ICU care at Bayou Segnette. Edwards says they are considering doing that at other state parks as well.
Cut 14 (11) “the state.”
The Governor has deployed 400 National Guard soldiers in response to the crisis, many of whom are manning posts at Bayou Segnette.
Lake Bistineau and Chicot State Park are also being considered for use in COVID quarantines, but Edwards says finding room isn’t the biggest problem, it’s finding enough healthcare workers.
Cut 15 (08) “…task.”
_________________
LSU football Coach Ed Orgeron calls on citizens to follow the game plan in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. Coach O participated in a unified command meeting with Governor Edwards.
Cut 16 (11) “…get through this.”
Orgeron says he knows this will be a challenge, but adds this is not the time to be selfish and urges young people to stay home.
Cut 17 (09) “…everybody pulling together.”
Orgeron says Louisiana residents are tough and resilient adding there is no better way to prove that than by beating down the spread of coronavirus.
Cut 18 (10) “…we will win.”