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Louisiana Covid Numbers Show Increase In Pediatric Cases

Courtesy: Chuck Smith / Red River Radio News

LA COVID CASES- Last Tuesday, Louisiana passed a grim pandemic milestone when the Louisiana Department of Health reported more  than 3,000 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19.   By Friday, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had decreased to 2,999 statewide.  During his most recent Covid update, Governor John Bel Edwards announced there were more than 5900 new Covid infections along with 67 new Covid-related deaths.  Of the recent Covid infections, Edwards expressed concern about the rising cases  involving younger people.           

"The cases that we're seeing in children 0 to age 18 is very troubling," Edwards said. "28% of all new cases reported are in children."

"There were myths, misconceptions earlier on in the pandemic that kids don't get Covid, don't spread Covid; that couldn't be farther from the truth." Dr. Joe Kanter, Medical Director - Louisiana Dept. of Health

The rising number in pediatric Covid cases is causing concern among health care professionals considering a new school year is just beginning and children 12 and under are not yet eligible to be vaccinated against Covid.

Credit Courtesy: LPB
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Courtesy: LPB
Dr. Joseph Kanter, Medical Director - Louisiana Dept. of Health

"There were myths, misconceptions earlier on in the pandemic that kids don't get Covid, don't spread Covid; that couldn't be farther from the truth."  said Dr. Joe Kanter, Medical Director for Louisiana's Department of Health.

Health experts stress that although Covid treatment methods have improved since the pandemic began,  getting vaccinated is still the best way to avoid serious illness as more than 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated. 
 

                          

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' broadcast and media experience to Red River Radio. He began his career as a radio news reporter and transitioned to television journalism and newsmagazine production. Chuck studied mass communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.