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LA Gov Edwards: "This Coronavirus Is In Your Neighborhood"

Courtesy: Chuck Smith / Red River Radio News

EVERYONE IS AFFECTED - The rapid infection  rate of  COVID-19 in Louisiana has state and local health officials concerned as recent studies indicate a possibility that the surge of illness could overwhelm healthcare resources, especially in and around the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas.  Governor John Bel Edwards revealed yesterday that a 17 year old New Orleans resident became the second U.S. teenager to die with the COVID-19 infection.  At his press conference, Edwards stressed that the rapid increase in COVID-19 infections throughout  the  state should  cause  all  citizens to take notice.  

"Nobody should look at this situation and think oh this doesn't involve me, this doesn't involve my town, this doesn't involve my parish," Edwards warned. "I 

Credit Courtesy: Governor John Bel Edwards Facebook Page
/
Courtesy: Governor John Bel Edwards Facebook Page
Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana

am encouraging anyone, no matter who you are or where you live to understand that this Coronavirus is in your neighborhood."

Edwards explained there is still a need for people to use safe practices such as social distancing  and  follow the emergency Stay at Home order.

"When we have statewide mitigation measures in place, they apply to everyone,"Edwards said. "And I urge everyone to take them very, very seriously."

Edwards explained if the current upward trajectory of COVID-19 cases doesn't slow down,  New Orleans could be out of ventilators by April 2 and out of bed space by April 7.    The Governor also said the federal government will set up two field hospitals with 250  cots in the New Orleans area and will be staffed  with 60 medical professionals and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport is adding 120 intensive care unit beds in preparation.

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.