COVID-19 Numbers Continue To Rise

Local, state, and national agencies continue reporting a large increase in COVID-19 cases. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, there have been over 398,107 cases confirmed in 169 different countries. The U.S. has the third highest amount of confirmed cases at 46,805, only trailing China (81,591) and Italy (63,927). One of the most alarming numbers is the growth rate at which the United States is adding cases. The first case of COVID-19 was reported in the United States on January 21, 2020. On March 17, 2020 there was approximately 7,800 cases nation-wide. But, just 5 days later on March 22, 2020, that number had jumped from approximately 7,800 cases to approximately 43,800 (about 36,000 cases, or an average of about 7,200 cases per day). Data from March 23, 2020 had not been released at the time of this article.

Closer to home, Northwest Louisiana saw its first COVID-19-related death Monday when a 44-year-old Minden woman died after testing positive for the virus. Total cases were up to 1,172 on Monday from 837 the day before. The death toll was at 34, up from 20 the day before. Tuesday’s number took a jump again. Total cases are now up to 1,388, with 46 deaths. A death was also reported in Ouachita Parish, where they have had a total of seven cases confirmed.

Governor John Bel Edwards issued a state-wide “stay home” order that went into effect at 5 p.m. yesterday. The order closed numerous “non essential” businesses and limited travel. Many parishes and towns have implemented curfews, including Minden and Springhill. The governor has asked the residents of Louisiana to be good citizens and to obey all orders to help slow the spread of the virus. He has asked that everyone stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary.

Although COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise throughout the United States, President Trump said Monday that he hopes to get the country back to business in weeks, not months. A statement that many people disagree with. Although opinions are strong on both sides, only time will tell if enough has been done to slow the virus. Also in Washington, both parties have said that they plan on reaching an agreement today on a stimulus package to combat the economic affects of the Coronavirus. At least $1,600,000,000,000.00 (1.6 Trillion) in funds are expected to be allocated to help Americans and small businesses cushion the blow this pandemic has taken on them.

Data Sources: Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Dashboard, Louisiana Department of Health