Louisiana - 151,473 positive cases of COVID-19; 5,035 deaths

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.nola.com/news/coronaviru...c2b68ccd5.html

First case of 'presumptive' coronavirus confirmed in Louisiana
Staff report Published Mar 9, 2020 at 12:55 pm | Updated Mar 9, 2020 at 1:24 pm

The presumptive first case of the new coronavirus, which has been linked to numerous deaths, has been confirmed in Louisiana, according to the governor's office.

The person is a Jefferson Parish resident who is at an Orleans Parish hospital.

The case is considered "presumptive" until it is confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control...

[Pathfinder]

Gov. Edwards Confirms Louisiana's First Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19

March 09, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health has reported Louisiana’s first presumptive positive case of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, a Jefferson Parish resident who is hospitalized in Orleans Parish, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Monday. At this time, there is only one known case of the illness in the state.

The Governor will discuss this in his planned Opening Legislative Session remarks at 1 p.m. and will be joined by public health officials for a media conference in the Governor’s Press Room on the Fourth Floor of the State Capitol at 3:30 p.m. The Governor’s remarks will be streamed at Facebook.com/LouisianaGov

Gov. Edwards said, “While today is the first time that we can confirm that we have a presumptive positive coronavirus case, Louisiana has been preparing for this moment for many weeks. The CDC still believes the risk to the general public is low, but we will work quickly and decisively to assess the risk to those around this patient.”

“Encouragingly, we were able to test this patient due to recently broadened criteria,” said Stephen Russo, Interim Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. “It’s critical to be able to catch COVID-19 early to prevent spread in our communities.”

“Now together we all—as a government, as health care systems and providers, as schools, businesses and as neighbors—must take action and be vigilant to prevent the spread of this virus in our great state,” Gov. Edwards said.

NEXT STEPS
Louisiana will send the presumptive positive test to the CDC for final confirmation of COVID-19. Because of the reliability of the test, Louisiana will move forward as if the test is an actual positive and take actions to contain the illness and assess the risk of spread.

The Office of Public Health’s epidemiology team will begin an investigation of people who have come in close contact with the patient, including health care workers, to determine the risk of spread.

OPH will administer additional COVID-19 tests to determine if more people have been infected. Some people at risk may be quarantined for 14 days, even if their initial test is not positive.

LOUISIANA’S RESPONSE
Public health officials have been in close contact with the CDC and health providers since January, as the COVID-19 outbreak grew in China.

Gov. Edwards established Louisiana’s COVID-19 Task Force to lead Louisiana’s planning for different scenarios relating to the spread of coronavirus. It will offer guidance not only to the Governor and the Unified Command Group, but also to state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations.

Members of the COVID-19 Task Force include the Louisiana Department of Health and the Office of Public Health, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Division of Administration, the Department of Education, the Louisiana National Guard, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Louisiana Department of Justice, the United States Coast Guard, 211, Louisiana State Police and other agencies as deemed appropriate.

As an initial step, the COVID-19 Task Force is recommending that all state agencies review and update their Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) that were developed statewide in 2012 under GOHSEP direction to take coronavirus into account.

ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC
State officials encourage Louisianans to take the following proactive steps to protect the health of themselves and those around them:

• Cover your cough.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or with a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoiding close contact (within six feet) with those who are sick.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

FOR INFORMATION

• For updates on the state’s response to the coronavirus situation, visit LDH.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus.
• Members of the public with questions about coronavirus may call the coronavirus general information line at 1-855-523-2652 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/...om/detail/2392

[Pathfinder]

Louisiana confirms first presumptive positive case of coronavirus
...
Updated March 9 at 4:52 PM
...
Edwards declined to release more information about the patient in a press conference later Monday afternoon.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, however, said the patient visited a Jefferson Parish emergency room for pneumonia-like symptoms. That patient remained hospitalized for several days as their symptoms worsened before the presumptive positive test result was returned.

The case is not believed to be associated with any travel, Cantrell said.
...

https://www.fox8live.com/2020/03/08/tested-la-coronavirus-are-negative-health-officials-say/

[Pathfinder]

Two more presumptive positive coronavirus cases confirmed in Louisiana, governor says

WDSU Digital Team

NEW ORLEANS —
Two more presumptive positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Louisiana.

Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted the news Tuesday, bringing the total number of presumptive positive coronavirus cases to three in the state.
...

https://www.wdsu.com/article/two-more-presumptive-positive-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-louisiana-governor-says/31357228

[Pathfinder]

Louisiana's first presumptive case of coronavirus at VA Medical Center; patient admitted Friday

BY RAMON ANTONIO VARGAS AND EMILY WOODRUFF | Staff writers PUBLISHED MAR 9, 2020 AT 3:51 PM | UPDATED MAR 9, 2020 AT 3:58 PM

The patient with Louisiana's first presumptive case of the new coronavirus is currently being treated by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in downtown New Orleans
...
The patient was admitted Friday night and "deemed appropriate for COVID-19" testing by the state health department, according to an email sent to staff.

The staff who interacted with the patient "are being assessed for exposure" and for possible self-quarantine of two weeks, the email said.
...

https://www.nola.com/news/coronavirus/article_69016ffc-623a-11ea-bd90-1f8ef5074c51.html

------------------------------------------

Coronavirus and New Orleans: Updates, info you need to know, FAQs and more

BY KATELYN UMHOLTZ | STAFF WRITER PUBLISHED MAR 9, 2020 AT 8:03 PM | UPDATED MAR 10, 2020 AT 2:57 PM

...
Who is the first patient and how did he/she catch the virus?

Authorities are not saying much about the patient. We know they live in Jefferson Parish, but we don't know age, gender, city of residence, place of work, etc.

Officials said the patient had not recently traveled overseas.
...
An employee at Terrytown's Geraldine Boudreaux Elementary School is being self-quarantined for two weeks after their roommate had close contact with the patient with a presumptive case of coronavirus. The employee and their roommate have not exhibited symptoms, the school said.
...

https://www.nola.com/news/coronavirus/article_f72d7ab6-626a-11ea-a6de-93482af55442.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Metairie day care center takes extra measures after parent had contact with coronavirus patient

WDSU Digital Team

METAIRIE, La. —

A Metairie day care center is taking extra precautions after a parent with a child at the facility informed them her husband was in contact with a patient identified as the state's first presumptive positive case of COVID-19, the coronavirus.
...

https://www.wdsu.com/article/metairie-day-care-center-takes-extra-measures-after-parent-had-contact-with-coronavirus-patient/31353120

[Pathfinder]

Two more patients test presumptive positive for coronavirus in Louisiana; see where

BY SAM KARLIN | STAFF WRITER PUBLISHED MAR 10, 2020 AT 2:20 PM | UPDATED MAR 10, 2020 AT 3:02 PM
...
Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration said the two new cases were discovered Tuesday, and that all three cases were in the New Orleans area. The administration released few details about the patients, and it was not immediately clear if they were related to the first case.
...

https://www.nola.com/news/coronavirus/article_3ae33536-6304-11ea-8dba-3b2a837523fb.html

[Pathfinder]

JP schools postpone field trips; cancel in person parent-teacher conferences
...
Author: WWL Staff
Published: 1:42 PM CDT March 10, 2020
Updated: 1:42 PM CDT March 10, 2020

METAIRIE, La. — Jefferson Parish schools are cancelling in-person parent-teacher conferences scheduled for March 16 and postponing all school field trips and assemblies for the present time.

The new procedures are being put in place immediately, according to a news release sent out by email Tuesday.
...

https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/jp-schools-postpone-field-trips/289-734a4723-1f2b-47f1-b05f-e8fe32f8e147

[Pathfinder]

Two more presumptive cases of coronavirus discovered in New Orleans area

By Chris Finch | March 10, 2020 at 3:09 PM CDT - Updated March 10 at 4:37 PM
...
The patients are from the New Orleans area and are being held at Touro and at University Medical Center, according to the hospitals. Both people are from Orleans Parish.
...

https://www.fox8live.com/2020/03/10/two-more-presumptive-cases-coronavirus-discovered-new-orleans-area/

[Pathfinder]

Health officials confirms two new presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Louisiana as state increases testing for the virus

March 10, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health reported two new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus. Both are residents of and hospitalized in Orleans Parish.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said, “Currently, we have three presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana, all in the New Orleans area. While we investigate these cases, we cannot disclose any additional information about these patients at this time.”

The presumptive positive tests will be sent to the CDC for final confirmation of COVID-19. Louisiana will move forward as if the tests are actual positives and take actions to contain the illness and assess the risk of spread.

Additional tests will be administered to determine if more people have been infected after the Department’s epidemiology team performs an investigation of close contacts.

All three known cases of the illness in the state are in Orleans Parish. Gov. Edwards announced the state’s first presumptive positive case, a Jefferson Parish resident, on Monday, March 9.

“At this point in our investigation we believe the first presumptive positive announced yesterday is not travel-related and was community acquired,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, assistant secretary of the Office of Public Health.

Louisiana ramps up testing

This comes as the state has increased testing for the virus.

In the five days since receiving more test kits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LDH has tested more than seven times as many people for the virus.

With 35 tests of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) now completed, only three have been confirmed presumptive positive in Louisiana. This compares to five completed tests as of Friday, March 6.

Health officials expected that increased testing for COVID-19 would lead to confirmation of additional cases in the state.

LDH is following the CDC’s guidance and testing three groups of people: those who have traveled to certain areas and have symptoms, those who have had close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 and have symptoms, and people with an unexplained acute respiratory illness.

The recent testing by the State Laboratory run by LDH’s Office of Public Health includes samples from people who went to their doctor or to a hospital and had symptoms consistent with COVID-19: cough, headache or lower respiratory illness. Some patients had recently traveled to a geographic area with known COVID-19 activity, while others did not have such a travel history.

In other instances, OPH is using the tests for surveillance purposes. This is done using existing disease surveillance infrastructure that includes several hospitals and clinics throughout Louisiana. For COVID-19 surveillance, when patients are treated for respiratory illnesses, but are not diagnosed with influenza, swabbed samples are sent to the State Laboratory where the COVID-19 test is done. Following CDC guidance, a sampling of cases from each site are sent to the lab. This is a proven and effective system for the early detection of diseases, allowing health officials to take the appropriate next steps.

For all people who have symptoms and who are being tested, they and their healthcare providersH are being advised on precautions to take to prevent spreading the illness to others. Precautions include self-isolation at home or in an isolation room at the hospital.

As of today, some commercial labs are equipped to conduct COVID-19 testing. With these private labs now ready to test, healthcare providers will start sending their samples to those labs. LDH will be notified of any positive results coming from a commercial lab.

Appropriate treatment and precautions will immediately be put in place for any positive commercial test before that test is confirmed by the State Lab, and the public will be notified.

Advice for the public

State officials encourage Louisianans to take the following proactive steps to protect the health of themselves and those around them:

• Cover your cough.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or with a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid close contact (within six feet) with those who are sick.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on LDH’s website: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus.

http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/5463

[Pathfinder]

From Mayor Cantrell press conference:

Cases are not related. One patient is in the ICU.

https://twitter.com/mayorcantrell/status/1237514438963597321

[Pathfinder]

Person tests presumptively positive for coronavirus after visiting New Orleans for conference

March 10, 2020 8:10 PM in Top StorySource: WBRZBy: WBRZ Staff

NEW ORLEANS- At least one person who attended a journalism conference in New Orleans has tested positive for the coronavirus.

IRE released a statement on Twitter confirming the case, adding, "To ensure the safety of our attendees and community, IRE is notifying conference attendees now so that individuals can make their own decisions on how best to proceed."
...
The person traveled from within the U.S. to the conference in New Orleans and was present from Thursday (3/5) until Saturday afternoon (3/7). Based on the onset of the limited symptoms, they could have contracted the virus either before, during or after the conference."
...
Over 1,000 people attended the conference, which was held at the Marriott Hotel on Canal Street.
...

https://www.wbrz.com/news/person-tests-presumptively-positive-for-coronavirus-after-visiting-new-orleans-for-conference/

[Pathfinder]

IRE NEWS ? NICAR20 ATTENDEE TESTS PRESUMPTIVELY POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUSNICAR20 attendee tests presumptively positive for coronavirus

By Doug Haddix | 03.10.2020
A person who attended the NICAR20 conference in New Orleans last week tested presumptively positive today with COVID-19.

This attendee has mild symptoms and is expected to make a full recovery. They are self-quarantining at home for 14 days, as recommended by health professionals.

The test has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control for confirmation. Until the test result is confirmed by the CDC, which can take up to a week, it is considered a presumptive positive. IRE is notifying conference attendees now so that individuals can make their own decisions on how best to proceed.

The attendee traveled from within the United States to the conference in New Orleans and was present from Thursday (March 5) until Saturday afternoon (March 7). Based on the onset of the limited symptoms, they could have contracted the virus either before, during or after the conference. Symptoms can appear within two to 14 days of exposure, and in some cases do not appear at all.

The attendee has been reaching out today to people they had close contact with during the conference. In addition, IRE is notifying individuals who participated in a pre-registered hands-on class with the attendee.

IRE has consulted with the CDC for guidance. The CDC recommends conference attendees contact their health care provider to let them know that they attended a large gathering with someone who has a laboratory-positive test for COVID-19. Based on your health history and whether you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath), your doctor may want to see you and/or conduct a coronavirus test. Protocols and testing availability vary from state to state.

The CDC also suggests checking with your local and state health officials and employer for guidance on whether you should work from home or take other measures to limit contact with others. If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please contact your health care provider immediately.

If you do become ill, please contact IRE so that we can notify public health officials and other attendees as necessary. Please email IRE Executive Director Doug Haddix (doug@ire.org). IRE will respect your privacy.

For further information, the CDC recommends this particular guidance page as well as the more general COVID-19 page online.

IRE will send further updates as warranted. For questions, please email info@ire.org.

In the meantime, we are starting an FAQ section here. It will be updated as other questions or issues arise.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will IRE release the list of sessions, classes and social events attended by the person with the presumably positive coronavirus test?

No. NICAR20 attendees attended numerous sessions, classes and receptions, in addition to having conversations in hallways, at restaurants and during other social interactions. Having a precise calendar of the attendee’s movements would not provide other attendees with any sense of whether they actually had close contact with the person. In addition, releasing someone’s conference itinerary could make it possible to identify the individual. So, to maintain the individual’s right to privacy, particularly involving a medical issue, IRE has decided not to provide a detailed schedule for one attendee or answer inquiries about a particular session, class or event — with one exception. Those who participated in a pre-registration, hands-on class with the attendee have been notified by IRE. The attendee has reached out directly to everyone else they had close contact with during the conference. If you have concerns or questions about your own health, the CDC recommends that you contact your medical provider, explain the situation and seek professional medical advice.

https://www.ire.org/archives/41054?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=c627db8cd8871472b99c862415acbea75375789b-1583894905-0-AWyn_iVEtc3XP1Xh0FGGt9rBg_5CSlXa8V4wBp2mhgpbkGPtc2DIv5Bi06BEhv-4RGrez0RkJdn3pwW94EANIPa2wLM8XzT0UIaCyvU2ISx-F_ZSAr0mjjpdic6U9JDUbewEXfJwrDfrdUgp5JL_dUP3CB6fQpRHkk8N389ScrO_tCm7dSRWrOlctL5cOv6uCc30PcfSgxMumcd7rKf30FjW-Ei_kNv3hjspdqz_QrYkv60DxgM-YKNtuIzII8vSJuci4W6LmxtQHXUa8cQnaOitJVmChqQt-6khHOUHkWPF

[Pathfinder]

LCMC Health, in coordination with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Louisiana Office of Public Health, continue to closely monitor an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that was initially detected in Wuhan City, China in December 2019, and has now been detected in 60+ locations internationally, including the United States.

ACTIVE VISITOR RESTRICTIONS in place at all LCMC Health facilities

To further protect the health of our patients, workforce, and the community and prevent the potential spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we are applying a modified visitor policy across all LCMC Health acute-care, rehabilitation and senior-living facilities effective March 11, 2020. This policy limits the number of visitors per patient, restricts the number of entry points into our facilities and implements screening for all visitors.

• Visitation will be limited to two adults (18 years or older) per patient, per day.
• All visitors and patients, including vendors and contractors, will be screened at designated entry points, including the Emergency Department.
• For patients in isolation, visitation will be limited to one adult (18 years or older) per patient, per day. These visitors will also be required to wear personal protective equipment and will not be permitted to visit common areas within the facility.

The brief screening process includes a symptom check and questionnaire. Individuals cleared through the screening process will receive a color-coded wristband which must be worn throughout their hospital visit. Visitors who are sick or do not meet screening criteria will not be allowed to enter the facility.

As with any evolving situation, it is critical to make decisions based on the most up-to-date, accurate information. It’s important to get the facts and avoid spreading false or misleading information. Below are answers to the most common questions about the coronavirus, and what you can do to protect yourself and others.
...

https://www.lcmchealth.org/coronavirus/

[Pathfinder]

City’s canceling of weekend events leaves organizers, tourism officials disappointed

By Tiffany Wong | March 10, 2020 at 9:44 PM CDT - Updated March 10 at 9:50 PM

NEW ORLEANS, La. (WVUE) - The City cancelled this weekend’s events after state officials announced additional coronavirus cases this afternoon.
...

Out of an abundance of caution, Mayor Latoya Cantrell announced events this weekend, like the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Uptown Super Sunday, will not be rolling.

“This weekend’s events, I’ve made the decision to cancel all of them,” said Cantrell.
...

https://www.fox8live.com/2020/03/11/citys-canceling-weekend-events-leaves-event-organizers-tourism-officials-disappointed/

[Shiloh]

Source: https://kadn.com/gov-edwards-announc...6-cases-in-la/

Gov. Edwards Announces 3 New Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases, Total of 6 Cases in La.
Brittany Cretchain 12 mins ago

NEW ORLEANS, La. (WVUE) – Governor John Bel Edwards announced three more people in Louisiana have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 late Tuesday.

The three new cases now brings the total number of patients who have tested presumptive positive for the Coronavirus in the the state of Louisiana to six.

In a tweet Tuesday night, the Louisiana Department of Health stated that all three of the new cases are New Orleans residents. Two of the patients are being treated at New Orleans hospitals while the third patient is being treated at a hospital in St. Tammany Parish...