The state is reporting eight deaths and 347 positive coronavirus cases an increase of 67 from yesterday. There are four new parishes reporting cases, West Baton Rouge, St. James, Plaquemines, and Lafayette. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory called a press conference last night to announce their first positive cases.
“This is a moment we all knew would arrive, we’ve prepared, we have planned, we have put personnel and resources in place and we have strong lines of communication with state and national leaders,” said Guillory.
Dr. Tina Stefanski, regional medical director of the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, says they expect the number of cases to climb. Stefanski says now is the time for people to really follow the advice of health experts, wash your hands, practice social distancing and stay home if sick.
“We see young, healthy individuals who feel that they are invincible, these measures are not important for them, but it’s critically important for people to realize that their actions will impact the health of residents throughout this region,” said Stefanski.
New Orleans leads the state with 231 positive tests for coronavirus. Lafayette has just two cases, so Stefanski says there’s no evidence of community spread in Acadiana.
“However as we know, once we start to get these results back from the few hundred tests that are out there, that message may change,” said Stefanski.
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