Governor John Bel Edwards has announced new restrictions that could be in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theaters and casinos are closed, and all restaurants are limited to drive-thru, pick-up, and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Louisiana has 136 COVID-19 positive cases and three people have died. Edwards also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen.
“To provide security at Bayou Segnette State Park and to help ensure that things run smoothly at the three drive-thru testing sites that we hope and believe and are working extremely hard to have come on later this week,” said Edwards.
The three drive-through testing sites are being set up with the help of the federal government. Two are set to be open in Orleans Parish and one in Jefferson Parish. Health officials say the testing sites are for those who are experiencing symptoms.
The governor also tried to allay fears that groceries are running out of food, saying the supply chain is intact and efficient.
“When you go to the store buy for the week, don’t try to buy for the month or longer. If you keep your usual shopping habits there will not be a problem. You do not need to horde items or stock up for an extended period of time,” said Edwards.
Edwards noted the April 13th timeline could be extended another 13 days depending on how the situation develops.
Edwards made the announcements yesterday at his afternoon press conference, where he introduced Our Lady of the Lake Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal who says nearly everyone will be infected over the next few months, but most won’t notice.
“80% of us will not feel the effects of these infections. 80% of us will be asymptomatic, feel well, and will continue to go about our daily lives,” said O’Neal.
But she noted that 80 percent can still infect those in risk groups, like those who have underlying health problems.
O’Neal says to save your vulnerable friends and family, take the proper precautions.
“Think about every gathering in term of how many people are here, are we washing hands, are we wiping shared surfaces, are we staying a great distance from each other, could we have done this remotely?” said O’Neal.
O’Neal says if we do not observe social distancing our medical system will be inundated with too many cases to provide adequate care to everyone.
