Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Monroe Mayor, Jamie Mayo and Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards on Monday(April 27)both gave updates on the condition of where Monroe and Louisiana are concerning COVID-19. Mayor Mayo also gave an update on the condition of residents affected by the Easter tornados. The mayor talked about the need for more testing in Ouachita Parish to see if there will be a flattening of the curve to show a decrease so that accurate projections can be made about when the virus will show a noticeable decline; based on the number of deaths reported in the parish. Mayo also mentioned the 18,500 masks that were distributed throughout the city Monday for residents, as did the city of West Monroe on Monday and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury Friday April 24. The line of vehicles was visible long before the distribution places were open where the masks were to be given away. Many residents were disappointed that the supply of masks ran out so quickly. Mayo thanked Hanes for supplying the masks, saying that he hopes there will be another event where masks are given away. The city is also partnering with the Food Bank of NELA to give away 1,000 food boxes to families affected by COVID-19, and water will be given away by local businesses Pepsi Beverage and Sam’s Club Friday May 1, 10 a.m. at the Monroe Civic Center.

Mayo also thanked local elected officials and community organizations that have given so much for the victims that suffered from the tornados. Those displaced from their homes were housed at local hotels through vouchers, as they have gone from 200 families to eleven. But time has run out for the rest. Howev,er plans are in the works to find longer hotel stays, until either rental homes are found, or when homes that suffered damaged by the tornados are repaired including those not covered by insurance. Mayo said that more than 2,500 tons of tornado debris has been cleared, as wreckage(he had debris) is moving well, and trash/garbage pickup is moving on schedule. Mayo also said that city residents should adhere to what Gov. Edwards says. He said that he “sees a lot” of movement in the city, but stresses safety in social distancing. When asked about what the police department can do about “house parties”, Mayo said he wouldn’t advise it, but police can’t arrest people on private property. But on public property, police can go a little further by stressing public policy on social distancing. Mayo said that as the city gets to slowly reopen, that safety will be the utmost factor, as “we shouldn’t move too fast”.

Meanwhile, down in Baton Rouge, Gov. Edwards said that his “stay at home” order will be extended to May 15. Most residents thought that the order might have been lifted April 30, but the state did not meet federal guidelines mandating that an increase in deaths caused by COVID-19 showed a noticeable decline. Louisiana has not. More testing will have to be done in certain areas(Ouachita Parish is one)followed by fewer deaths and cases reported that requires hospitalization. Edwards said that non-essential retail businesses in the state can stay open with fewer than 10 people inside. Other changes are curb side pickup at malls, people can eat at restaurants only on the outside at tables without waiter service and that all business employees wear masks serving the public.