MEASURES TO MITIGATE DISEASE - Governor John Bel Edwards during a press announcement yesterday afternoon revealed Louisiana's third death from the coronavirus: an 84-year-old man in a New Orleans retirement home. Several other residents there have also tested positive for the virus. So far there are 136 persons who have tested positive for the Coronavirus in Louisiana. The governor also had issued an order forcing closures of certain businesses to mitigate the community spread of the virus.
"Beginning at midnight, we're going to limit the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people," Edwards explained. "We're closing casinos, bars, movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers, and we're going to limit restaurants to take-out delivery and drive-through orders only."
The new constraints are expected last until April 13. Edwards also urged people to practice social distancing and not visit hospitals or nursing homes to avoid spread of the disease among those most at risk. He especially encouraged older citizens to take precautions. The Governor said Louisiana has the nation's third-fastest Coronavirus infection rate and the outbreak may exceed the state health care system's capacity if infection rates don't slow. In related news, Louisiana’s Legislature has voted to recess until March 31st.
To keep up to date: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus
