NEW ORLEANS — Latest Numbers:
- 1,950 deaths
- 29,140 total cases
- 1,545 patients in hospitals
- 208 patients on ventilators
- 64 of 64 parishes reporting cases
- 17,303 presumed recoveries
- 167,757 tests performed
Key Updates:
- As part of COVID-19 restrictions easing slightly starting May 1, Louisiana restaurants outside New Orleans can now offer outdoor seating and malls can offer curbside pickup.
- Business at MSY Airport remains at a trickle on what would have been one of the businesses weekends of the year.
- Various organizations and neighbors around Southeast Louisiana are doing their parts to help feed those in need in creative ways.
Military flyover honors New Orleans area coronavirus workers
The U.S. military said thank you to front line workers fighting the coronavirus outbreak in Louisiana in spectacular fashion Friday morning.
The U.S. Air Force and Louisiana Air National Guard conducted a special flyover of several medical complexes in New Orleans Friday. Hundreds of healthcare workers and thousands of residents gathered outside to see four impressive planes zooming overhead.
It was the military's way to thank Louisiana's medical professionals battling COVID-19, which has claimed nearly 2,000 lives in the state and hospitalized hundreds of people.
Two massive two massive B-52 "Stratofortresses" took flight from the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, soaring over the city flanked by two F-15 Strike Eagles from the 159th Fighter Wing out of New Orleans.
“The special bomber demonstrations are not only a tribute to these individuals, but also serve as a visible reminder of Americans’ solidarity and drive during a very challenging time,” said Maj. Gen. James Dawkins Jr., 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander.
Tools
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Worldwide illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including severe pneumonia that can result in hospitalization or death.
Older people and people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or cancer seem to be at greater risk of serious illness.
People with recent travel to China, or have come in contact with someone who has recent travel and is ill, have a greater risk for becoming ill.
What to do if you are sick:
If you recently traveled to an area affected by COVID-19 transmission, and you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor immediately. Do not go to the doctor without calling first.
If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the Louisiana Department of Health hotline at 1-855-523-2652.
If you are severely ill and you think you need to go to the hospital, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room.
How to Prevent the Spread:
The virus is thought to spread between people in close contact (within 6 feet) and through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Especially wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Stay home if you feel sick to prevent the spread of germs.
- Cover your cough with your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
Treatments for COVID-19:
There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. People with coronavirus should be treated with supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Some severe cases require going to the hospital, particularly in the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.
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