Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

During this past week Louisiana has experienced a rise in the virus cases, and according to national CDC officials, this deadly virus will get worse before it gets better.

With the holiday season upon us, it is a natural reaction for people to gather for meals and family enjoyment. However, we are being encouraged to love our loved ones enough to not want to expose them to the dangers of COVID.

According to the last week’s report from the White House coronavirus task force, it has said of Louisiana: “Current mitigation efforts are inadequate and must be increased to flatten the curve to sustain the health system for both COVID and non-COVID emergencies.”

Governor Edwards said he does not intend to return Louisiana to a stay-at-home order, but he is willing to consider adding more restrictions. At least 5,951 people in Louisiana have died of COVID-19 since March, according to the health department.

There are some things we can do to manage COVID-19 symptoms at home, if you have possible or confirmed COVID-19:

· Stay home from work or school. And stay away from public places, If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing or taxis.

· Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.

· Get rest and stay hydrated.

· If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.

· For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19.

· Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

· Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes towels, and bedding.

· Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays and wipes according to the label instructions.

When anyone has to go out, use masks at all times in public, increase physical distancing through significant reduction in capacity in public and private indoor spaces. Know that there are dangerous risks of ANY indoor interactions outside of immediate family household without masks.