NEW ORLEANS — Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Louisiana on March 9, hundreds of cases have been diagnosed in the state and, as of March 25, officials say 65 people have died from the respiratory disease caused by the newest strain of coronavirus.
Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (similar to a common cold or the flu) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. So far, deaths have been reported worldwide mainly in older adults who had other health conditions.
In the state of Louisiana, drastic restrictions have been put in place by officials looking to curb the deadly outbreak.
Unemployment numbers in the state have surged, most who are still working are doing so from home and in New Orleans – which has one of the highest numbers of cases per capita in the country – even stricter orders were announced.
Use the interactive timeline below to see when the biggest coronavirus news broke each day, and follow our continuing coverage for the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic in your area.
Timeline not displaying properly? Getting an error? Click here.
You can stay up to date with the latest coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Louisiana and around the globe by clicking here.
If you want to see where coronavirus cases have been reported in the state, here's the live map:
What you need to know about COVID-19:
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.
More Stories:
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.
