NW LA COVID-19 SURGES - The number of Covid-19 cases is on the rise in Northwest Louisiana. According to the most recent information from the Louisiana Department of Public Health high positive results from testing for the week of December 28th to January 4th reveal that for Bossier Parish there were 666 new cases from 3,870 tests which is a 17% positive test percentage. Health experts say a 5% or less positive test rate is preferred so restrictions could be eased. Bossier Parish has more than 9,000 cases and 200 Covid-19 deaths reported since the coronavirus pandemic began last March. Health and public officials are bracing for a post-holiday surge in Coronavirus cases. During his last public video address, Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker shared this warning:
"Hospitals have indicated that latest trajectory of cases, if they continue unabated, will overwhelm their facilities," Walker said. "We must not overwhelm our hospital capacities to deliver healthcare, unfortunately many hospitals are at or near that point."
"We must not overwhelm our hospital capacities to deliver healthcare, unfortunately many hospitals are at or near that point." Mayor Lo Walker, Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier’s neighbor Caddo Parish had a bump in Covid 19 infections with 1,173 new cases reported on over 8500 tests, a 13.7% positive test percentage. There were 11 Covid-19 related deaths reported in Caddo Parish last week. The parish has over 18,000 coronavirus cases and 522 related deaths reported since the pandemic began. According to LDH hospital capacity for Caddo is currently at 77% with an 83% intensive care unit capacity.
