NEW ORLEANS — The Sewerage and Water Board will not shut off customers' water during the duration of the city of New Orleans declared emergency in response to the COVID-19 spread.
In a news release sent to the media outlets, S&WB spokesman Richard Rainey said that the company will also work to restore water service to the customers that have been disconnected.
“At the core of our mission is to keep New Orleans safe and healthy,” said Ghassan Korban, Executive Director, SWBNO. “Washing your hands and keeping clean is a first line of defense against coronavirus, and so we want to ensure all our residents have access to clean water.”
Our team will begin restoring water service to customers currently without water as quickly as possible. We will start with the most recent shut-offs. We will also prioritize customers who call to inform us that they are seniors or have chronic medical conditions.
The S&WB also urges customers to pay online or over the phone 52-WATER (504.529.2837) rather that going to the service centers.
More on Coronavirus
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.
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