Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Each day there are changes in the number of COVID-19 cases in Ouachita parish as well as in the state of Louisiana. At the time of this writing there are 3,916 confirmed cases and 97 deaths in Ouachita Parish.

The state of Louisiana has reached over 100,000 cases which led Governor Edwards to extend Phase Two and the statewide mask mandate until August 7, 2020. Due to the alarming increase in the number of cases, Louisiana cannot move forward.

There are still persons among us in Ouachita parish who are stating that the entire COVID-19 pandemic is a hoax. They are ignoring reports of cases and deaths. There certainly is a lot of experimental science evolving to get to the causes of this dreaded sickness by topnotch professionals. Their efforts should be respected.

At a minimum all we can do is follow hygiene practices (wash hands frequently); wear masks when in groups and in public places; maintain social distancing of six (6) feet whenever possible in group settings, in stores or other public places. Without exception, everyone needs to follow these measures and ignore the doubting remarks. These measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana.

As plans are made to re-open schools, all of us have a responsibility to show the students and school staff that we are following these measures and doing our part to protect them and ourselves. Many school employees have expressed levels of fear for having the responsibility to keep the students and themselves safe. Additionally, there are parents who express reluctance to sending their children back to school.

These are trying times for everyone. If we follow these measures locally in Ouachita Parish, we will be contributing toward decreasing the overall numbers in the state of Louisiana.

Citizens of Ouachita Parish, it is imperative that COVID-19 is taken seriously!