COVID-19)Novel Coronavirus Update 150700APR20
Online John Hopkins CSSE Coronavirus Dashboard
WHO Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) website
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Novel coronavirus in China page
The number of cases worldwide continues to climb. According to health officials, there have been 1,988,143 confirmed cases of COVID-19. More than 126,859 people have died.
With the information currently available for the novel coronavirus, all world health organizations currently advises that measures to limit the risk of exportation or importation of the disease should be implemented. To reduce the general risk of transmission, everyone is advised to:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Stay home when you are sick. Keeping a sick child at home prevents the spread of illness in the school and community and allows your child an opportunity to rest and recover.
· Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
LOUISIANA
Please go to http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/ for official information on Positive Test Results and locations. It is updated 12 noon daily. LDH officials’ latest report: As of last report all Parishes have reported (64 of 64) cases with state totaling 21,518 cases of COVID-19 and 1,013 deaths across the state.
1,013 Reported COVID-19 Patients in Hospitals; 436 of those on ventilators
5,681 Tests Completed by State Lab; 112,741 Commercial Tests Completed
SEE ATTACHED SPREADSHEET FOR LATEST PARISH INFO UPDATE WILL BE AT NOON TODAY
Louisiana postponed its state’s presidential primary for a second time due to the coronavirus pandemic, moving the race back to July 11. Additionally, the Governor of Louisiana said, “there are some positive news in today’s numbers, a reduction of number of people in the hospitals and in the number of patients on ventilators.” The governor added that Tuesday’s test count was 10,331, marking the largest number of tests Louisiana has administered in a 24 hour period.
NATIONAL
U.S. coronavirus deaths rose by at least 2,228 on Tuesday, April 14, a single-day record, to top 28,300. The increase of 2,228 deaths excludes a revision by New York City to include deaths presumed to be due to the novel coronavirus but never tested dating back to March 11. Between 10 and 20 percent of coronavirus cases in the United States are health care workers, though they tended to be hospitalized at lower rates than other patients.
At least 3,022 United States service members have tested positive for COVID-19, and at least two United States service members have died from the virus. There are at least 4,769 positive cases across the entire Department of Defense.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has released nearly 700 people from custody after conducting medical reviews stemming from concerns about coronavirus. The USS Harry S. Truman will remain at sea while completing the “sustainment” phase of their operation to avoid contracting the coronavirus after a deployment to the Middle East. One official said he was certain there were no coronavirus cases among the approximately 5,000 sailors on the carrier or the crews of its escort ships.
POTUS said his administration will halt funding for the World Health Organization. President Donald Trump has said he is going to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) because it has “failed in its basic duty” in its response to the coronavirus outbreak. He accused the UN agency of mismanaging and covering up the spread of the virus after it emerged in China, and said it must be held accountable. The president did not say whether the United States would permanently stop funding the W.H.O., saying only that it would halt payments while the administration reviewed its role in handling the virus. Last year, the United States contributed about $553 million of the W.H.O.’s $6 billion budget, a significant sum to lose in the middle of a pandemic. In response, the UN’s chief said it was “not the time” to cut funds to the WHO. A decision on whether the U.S. resumes funding will be made after the review, which Pres. Trump said would last 60 to 90 days.
U.S. officials debated how to reopen the economy without reigniting the outbreak. President Trump recited some of the most prominent names of Wall Street and Silicon Valley on Tuesday, business leaders who he said would be advising him in when and how to reopen the country’s economy.
Texas – In the Houston area, the number of Houston-area coronavirus cases climbs to 5,876 with 105 deaths, and 1,217 recoveries. Houston health officials urged healthcare workers and labs who are conducting coronavirus testing to not wait to report results to avoid inconsistency in the number of cases that are reported. The law in Texas says that when a positive result for a COVID-19 test is obtained, you are to report that to the local health department immediately. Seeing peaks and valleys in the numbers and getting reports with hundreds of cases that go back weeks is not helpful. Five new coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Houston Tuesday.
California – Four more crew members aboard the USNS Mercy in California have tested positive, bringing the ship’s
total to seven as of Monday. 120 close contacts of the seven individuals who tested positive were quarantined off ship
and later tested negative for the virus.
Florida – National Guard personnel in Florida were dispatched to dozens of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to test residents and staff for COVID-19. Four-person “strike teams” have been sent to 93 such care facilities, and more teams will be created. Florida recorded 21,367 cases as of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. The state has recorded a total of 524 deaths.
Georgia – Emory University developed an antibody blood test that aims to identify people who have been infected with COVID-19. Initially, testing will be available only to Emory Healthcare inpatients, certain groups of
outpatients, health care providers, and staff members, but will then be expanded. The university will begin testing at a rate of 300 people per day.
Maine – Maine has extended the state of civil emergency through May 15. The original civil state of emergency was going to expire on April 15. The stay-at-home order issued on March 31 remains in place through April 30.
Maryland – The death toll in Maryland was reported at 303 on Tuesday. Maryland added at least 536 new cases from Monday to Tuesday, giving the state a total of 9,487 cases.
Massachusetts – A senior state official in Massachusetts called on local manufacturers to help the state produce personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gowns, swabs, sanitizers, and thermometers. About half of all Massachusetts hospital beds are now occupied, and the state expects a surge during the middle of April. The state received around 200 ventilators from FEMA on Monday. Health officials in Massachusetts reported 1,392 new cases and 88 new deaths connected to COVID-19. The state reported 26,867 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 844 deaths linked to the virus.
Michigan – A senior official in Michigan signed several executive orders Monday, ordering several types of businesses to remain closed to the public. The order will impact places of “public accommodation” and will remain in place until April 30.
Nevada – An additional 700 Nevada National Guard soldiers and airmen are being called on to help the fight against COVID-19. The addition brings the total number of Guardsmen supporting the state’s COVID-19 response to
about 800, marking the largest state activation in Nevada National Guard history. As of Tuesday, April 14, Nevada Health Response has reported 3,088 positive COVID-19 cases and 130 deaths statewide.
New Jersey – Rutgers University researchers have received approval from the FDA for the first saliva test to help diagnose COVID-19. The test initially will be available through hospitals and clinics affiliated with the school. The university’s lab can process 10,000 samples per day.
New York – On Tuesday, New York City linked 3,778 additional deaths to coronavirus under new criteria, raising the city’s total to 11,683. New cases across the state rose by 7,177 on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed
infections to 202,208. The state has tested 499,143 people, running 20,786 of those tests on Monday, and of those tested, 40.5 percent have tested positive. The Mayor of New York City announced on Tuesday that the city will begin producing 50,000 of its own test kits starting in May, and that the city will be requisitioning other medical supplies from multiple private sector companies. The city will also be working with eight companies in the Brooklyn Navy Yard to produce face shields. The Mayor of New York announced the city could stop seeing widespread transmission during May or June, but it will take more time for the spread to fully slow down.
Virginia – Virginia reported 164 deaths and a total of 6,187 cases Tuesday after recording at least 424 new cases over a 24-hour period.
Washington, D.C. – The death toll for Washington, D.C. was reported at 68 on Tuesday. The city reported at least 103 new cases over a 24-hour period to reach a total of 2,062 cases. Social distancing measures could result in the city seeing its number of total cases peaking earlier than expected. The city could hit its peak of cases in late May, as opposed to late June, as the city is seeing lower levels of infections and hospitalizations than initially predicted.
INTERNATIONAL
Chinese health authorities reported the country’s highest number of daily coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the last six weeks. The number of confirmed daily cases rose to 108 and has largely been caused by an increase in the arrival of infected travelers, marking the highest rise in cases since March 5. Authorities inBeijing also announced on Saturday, April 12, that schools in the city will reopen to high school and senior middle school students from May 11. Local authorities in Wuhan (Hubei province) stated on Friday, April 10, that they will continue to test residents for COVID-19 due to concerns of imported cases as the number of infections decreases. This comes just days after authorities relaxed lockdown measures in Wuhan, where COVID-19 was first detected. As of Wednesday, April 8, people are permitted to leave the city for the first time since a lockdown was imposed on Monday, January 27. Passenger trains began to depart the city from 00:50 (local time) and highways were also opened to outbound traffic. The restrictions were eased following a reduction in the number of daily reported cases, with reports suggesting that Wuhan had only two new confirmed cases in the past two weeks. Residents are still being encouraged to remain within their neighborhoods and avoid travel outside of the city unless it is necessary. Chinese authorities announced on April 10, that residency rules will be relaxed in 2020 to encourage rural populations to move to cities, with the aim of boosting local economies. Internal migration controls and household registration permits will be abolished. While travel restrictions have eased in Wuhan, strict control measures continue nationwide. Authorities have stated that measures have been introduced to restrict non-essential border crossing while those border ports and crossings which were previously closed will continue to be inaccessible until further notice. Border patrols have also been increased. Foreign nationals, including those with valid residence permits, remain prohibited from entering the country as of Tuesday, April 14, with some exemptions such as diplomats and those on deployments deemed essential by the government. Authorities have also announced stronger controls on the country’s land borders in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of April 14, there were 83,306 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationwide including 3345 fatalities and 78,200 recoveries.
In Austria, authorities allowed thousands of shops to reopen on Tuesday, April 14, as part of a series of measures to loosen an ongoing nationwide lockdown. Non-essential shops of 400 sq. m or less and DIY shops are allowed to reopen on April 14. Subsequently, all shops and hairdressers will open on Friday, May 1. Shoppers will still have to comply with restrictions such as social distancing, as only one person per 20 sq. m will be allowed in shops, and face masks will be compulsory in all shops and public transport. The Austrian Chancellor urged the public to adhere to overall lockdown measures that are being extended until the end of April. All persons from high-risk groups must work from home or be placed on leave, and the use of hotels for tourism will remain prohibited until at least mid-May. The Austrian government had previously introduced increased controls on Austria’s border with Czechia and Slovakia to prevent further spread of the virus. Those entering the aforementioned countries will now be required to produce a medical certificate confirming that they are not infected with COVID-19. These measures remain in place for those entering or transiting through Italy, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, and Switzerland in the last 14 days. The border restrictions are active until Thursday, April 30. All travel to Switzerland, Spain, and France via air or train remains suspended, and flights from the UK and the Netherlands are no longer receiving landing permits. Travel warnings remain in place for France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, and Iran. Individuals traveling from these countries are required to undergo 14-day home-quarantine upon entry into Austria unless they provide a certificate of health. Authorities have closed the border with Italy since Wednesday, March 11, while border checks are in place at the crossing points with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. As of April 14, authorities have confirmed 14,226 COVID-19 cases and 384 associated deaths nationwide.
In Kosovo, Health Minister Arben Vitia announced that the existing movement restrictions will be strengthened in an effort to contain further spread of the coronavirus. As of Wednesday, April 15, individuals over the age of 16 are prohibited from leaving their homes for more than 90 minutes a day. Affected individuals will receive a time slot depending on their ID or passport number. The measure will be in effect until at least Sunday, May 3. Anyone violating the restriction will face a EUR 1000 fine. This decision comes as the government forecast an increase in COVID-19 cases in the coming days.
Movement restrictions were introduced on Tuesday, March 24. As such, individuals are not allowed to leave their homes except for essential needs and work-related reasons. A number of municipalities across the country have also been placed under quarantine. All schools, non-essential businesses such as cafes, bars, restaurants, and shopping centers remain closed, and public gatherings remain suspended. Public transport remains restricted, and land border crossing points remain closed to non-Kosovo citizens. Authorities in Kosovo canceled all flights into the country effective Monday, March 16, according to diplomatic sources, while all departing flights are expected to be severely disrupted. As of April 15, there are 387 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationwide.
In the U.K., all care home residents and staff with Covid-19 symptoms will be tested for coronavirus as laboratory capacity increases, the government has promised. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “determined” to ensure everyone who needed a test had access to one. Care providers have been calling for more testing for weeks, with charities saying the virus is “running wild” amid outbreaks at more than 2,000 homes. At the moment only the first five residents who show symptoms in a care home are tested, to determine whether there is an outbreak of the virus. Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is urging the government to publish an exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown. Sir Keir said his party would support the government if, as expected, it extends lockdown measures later this week. But he called for more transparency about how and when the rules will be relaxed. It comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned of “tough times” ahead for the economy after a bleak forecast of the fiscal impact of the pandemic. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has reached more than 94,000. A total of 12,107 people confirmed to have had the virus have died.
In the UAE, Emirati authorities announced the extension of visas that expired in early March through the end of December 2020 for residents that are both within and outside Emirati borders. Those outside the country have been asked to register on a government website to facilitate their return. The policy also applies to those in the country on tourist visas. The entry of all valid visa holders remains suspended through at least Thursday, April 16, though it will likely be extended. While international flights were suspended on March 23, Etihad and Emirates have begun operating departing flights to multiple international locations. Separately, the Dubai Department of Economic Development announced that some food distributors may operate for 12 hours, from 08:00 to 20:00 (local time) if preventative safety and sanitation risks are adhered to. This includes meat, fruit, vegetable, fish, coffee, and tea shops, among others. Authorities announced that individuals in Dubai are required to request movement permits online during the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown through Saturday, April 18. Those who go out for walks, cycle, or drive during the 24-hour curfew may do so exclusively for essential reasons, while wearing masks, gloves, and must respect social distancing advice. Only one family member will be permitted to go out at any one time. Supermarkets and pharmacies, as well as food and drug delivery services, will continue to operate as normal. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that metro and tram services will be suspended during the lockdown. Free bus transportation and a 50 percent discount on taxi rides will be offered in lieu. An overnight curfew that remains in effect across the UAE’s six other emirates has been extended indefinitely. As such, all movement between 20:00 and 06:00 (local time) is restricted, and public transportation is suspended during curfew hours. Those who leave their homes outside of curfew hours without legitimate or pre-approved reason will face fines of USD 544. Those violating the curfew could be fined up to USD 13,600. As of Tuesday, April 14, there are 4521 COVID-19 cases including 25 deaths.
In India, a day after extending a nationwide lockdown, India has relaxed restrictions on farming, banking and public works, but transport services and most businesses remain closed. The rules which come into effect on 20 April, are expected to ease the supply chain and alleviate economic impact. The lockdown which began on 25 March to contain the spread of the coronavirus will now end on 3 May. India has reported 11,555 active cases and 396 deaths so far.
In Australia, Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday, April 14, that the current state of emergency has been extended until at least Monday, May 11, due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of Wednesday, April 15, 1291 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the state, the second highest in the country after New South Wales (NSW). Extending the state of emergency allows the state government to enforce current strict social distancing measures and other associated restrictions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has put in place nationwide restrictions, including limiting public gatherings to only two people. Australians should remain at home unless buying essentials, exercising, going to work, or seeking medical care. Residents over 70 years have been asked to self-isolate. Individual states and territories are responsible for enforcing and deciding specific movement and business restrictions. Generally, non-essential services, and public spaces including bars, clubs, cinemas, gyms, indoor sporting venues, and places of worship remain closed. Supermarkets, shopping centers, office buildings, banks, petrol stations, pharmacies, and convenience stores are among the businesses allowed to remain open. Air carrier Virgin Australia announced on Thursday, April 9, that most of its domestic flights will be temporarily suspended amid the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Friday, April 10, the airline will only operate one daily route between Melbourne and Sydney from Sunday through Friday. For more information please see this website. All Australian citizens returning from abroad will be quarantined in hotels for 14 days at the government’s expense. Only Australian citizens, returning permanent residents and their immediate family members are permitted to enter Australia until further notice. As of April 15, 6440 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the country, alongside 63 associated fatalities.
BUREN R. (Ric) MOORE, SGM (R)
GOHSEP Intelligence Officer
Louisiana State Analytical & Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE) Liaison
Office: 225.925.3674
Cell: 225.936.0404
In the case of terrorism, to wait for an indication of crime before investigating it is to wait too long. There is no guarantee of success, but there has to be a guarantee of effort. Let’s make it hard to hurt us. If you see something suspicious, report it.
