© 2024 Red River Radio
Voice of the Community
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

LA Dramatically Expands Covid Vaccine Eligibility

Courtesy: LDH

FEDERAL DECLARATION SIGNED—  Louisiana Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards held a press conference yesterday to announce he received some good news from the White House as President Joe Biden approved  his  request  for a major disaster declaration due to the recent winter storm 

"We're very greatful for the Biden administration for granting this request and the additional help will be instrumental as we continue to recover from the winter storm," Edwdards said. "But also the mitigation could be very helpful to us in terms of winterizing some of our water systems for example."

Federal aid will be available across 23 parishes, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans for property losses and other assistance for individuals and businesses.  Edwards also announced the state is expanding coronavirus vaccine eligibility.

". . . so those who are more vulnerable to the disease will be eligible to receive the vaccine," John Bel Edwards, Governor of Louisiana

"Effective immediately all Louisianians 16 and older with health conditions that make them more likely to suffer serious complications from Covid-19, so those who are more vulnerable to the disease will be eligible to receive the vaccine," Edwards explained.

Credit Courtesy: LPB
/
Courtesy: LPB
Governor John Bel Edwards announced expanding Covid-19 vaccine eligibility on Tuesday, 03.09.21.

Among the preexisting conditions  are  things such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, cancer, heart conditions, and more.  A full list is available on the Louisiana Dept of Health Website – www.ldh.la.gov search Covid Vaccine Eligibility.

The number of Louisianans who have  died from Covid-19 is approaching 10,000,  a year after the first Covid-19 death was first reported in the state. 

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.