St. James reports 1st death from COVID-19; St. John reports additional case
Published 9:53 pm Wednesday, March 18, 2020
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LUTCHER – The Louisiana Department of Health reported an additional positive case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) of a St. John the Baptist Parish resident Wednesday. Meanwhile, St. James Parish announced that a patient at St. James Parish Hospital has died from the coronavirus.
The patient who died was the only known case of the coronavirus in St. James Parish as of Wednesday evening. The individual was over age 60 and had underlying health conditions, officials said. This marks the eighth death in Louisiana since Saturday and the first in the River Parishes.
The St. John Parish resident that tested positive for the coronavirus is being treated in another parish. This is all the information that is available, as the Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with the epidemiology.
As testing becomes more prevalent, Governor John Bel Edwards said a significant rise in cases is expected within 48 hours.
In other local news, Grab & Go Meals for schoolchildren are suspended until further notice in St. Charles Parish out of an abundance of caution. A school system employee who services both R.K. Middle School and New Sarpy Elementary is exhibiting symptoms associated with the coronavirus and is under quarantine at a hospital. The employee has not tested positive at this time.
Residents and visitors are advised to continue to take the following precautions to slow the spread of the virus:
– Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
– Stay home if you are sick and cover your cough
– Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
– Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with those who are sick
It is recommended that elderly individuals and those with chronic medical conditions constrict travel and avoid crowds.
Reliable Sources of Information:
- St. John Parish website sjbparish.com, Facebook, Instagram, Government Access Channel
- Dial 211 or text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211.
- Ldh.com/coronavirus
- Cdc.gov
- Updates will be sent out as the situation changes.
