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LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard provided information on the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation at the recent televised Parish Council meeting and advises residents to use precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a Public Health Emergency for the state of Louisiana and as of March 11, 2020, there have been 13 presumptive cases in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Department of Public Health, 10 are residents of Orleans, one is a resident of Jefferson, one of Caddo Parish and one of Iberia. The presumptive positive tests will be sent to the Center for Communicable Diseases (CDC) for final confirmation of COVID-19. 

President Hotard and her Administrative staff, Public Safety, Fire and Health and Human Services, met recently to implement proactive measures within Parish Government such as heightening disinfecting measures in workspaces, offices and frequently touched surfaces as well high traffic areas within parish facilities. Information was relied to the janitorial companies and additionally, supplies are being given to employees to assist with these efforts. 

Also, updates on COVID-19 as well as precautions residents and businesses should be taking have been continuously shared on communication outlets including the Government Access Channel (15/99) Website at sjbparish.com, Facebook and Instagram. 

We want to reiterate the following proactive steps to protect the health of our residents: 

–         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 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. 

–         Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (phone, car handles, doorknobs, light switches, etc.) 

–         Avoid close contact (within six feet) with those who are sick 

–         Elderly and those with chronic health issues are more vulnerable and should take extra measures to ensure health safety 

Also, please only seek information from a reliable source, either the CDC or Louisiana Department of Health, as this information has been verified. We remain in touch with these agencies as well as the Governor’s Office and will continue to send out updates as we receive them. 

— Submitted by St. John Parish Communications