COVID-19)Novel Coronavirus Update 080700APR20
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 1,434,426 confirmed cases of COVID-19. More than 301,768 people have recovered, and 82,220 people have died. The economic fallout from the coronavirus is expected to wipe out the equivalent of 195 million full-time jobs around the world, according to the labor body of the United Nations. COVID-19 was expected to cause a reduction of 6.7 percent in global working hours. Sectors most at risk are accommodation and food services, manufacturing and retail. This far exceeds the effects of the 2008-9 financial crisis.
NONMEDICAL THREAT: National security officials warned in an intelligence bulletin issued that extremist groups are exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to incite violence. The bulletin – from the FBI, DHS, and National Counterterrorism Center – cites how threats and conspiracy theories from an array of hate groups are likely fueling potential violence. It predicts that spaces vital to the moment, like hospitals and grocery stores, could be potential targets – as well as police officers enforcing stay-at-home orders. Law enforcement have already responded to two extremist plots in recent days, including a train engineer in California who allegedly derailed his train near a naval hospital ship and a Missouri man who was accused of attempting to detonate a car bomb at a hospital treating coronavirus patients. Reports of attacks against Asian people have also intensified in the United States after the outbreak first began in China. In the bulletin, the agencies concluded that hate crimes against Asians will likely increase over the next two to three months. Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories claiming that Jews and Israel are responsible for the manufacturing and spread of the virus have also proliferated in some hate group circles, the bulletin notes, heightening the risk of violence against Jews in the country. The bulletin states that groups are potentially working to incite people who are facing economic hardship and social isolation to commit acts of violence. Some are encouraging people to exploit holes in policing left by law enforcement who have contracted the virus themselves or are diverted to enforce stay-at-home orders. The agencies also noted threatening discussions from more obscure radical segments, including militias, anti-abortion extremists, and extremists motivated by police brutality.
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 there are 63 of 64 parishes reporting with 16,284 cases of COVID-19 and 582 deaths across the state.
Reported COVID-19 Patients in Hospitals 1,996; 519 of those on ventilators
4,609 Tests Completed by State Lab; 70,046 Commercial Tests Completed
SEE ATTACHED SPREADSHEET FOR LATEST PARISH INFO UPDATE WILL BE AT NOON TODAY
NATIONAL
U.S. cases surpassed 400,000 as the death toll in the country approaches 13,000 as of Tuesday. Approximately 400,112 cases and 12,796 deaths have been recorded in the United States. The White House is projecting close to 82,000 COVID-19 deaths across the country by early August – less than figures indicated by earlier outbreak models.
The U.S. suffered its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic yet, with nearly 2,000 deaths between Tuesday and Wednesday. The death toll now stands at 12,839 with close to 400,000 confirmed cases. A large proportion of the deaths announced were from New York state. Widely considered the epicenter of the outbreak, it recorded 731 deaths on Tuesday. It is on the cusp of overtaking the entire country of Italy with its number of confirmed cases. Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state appeared to be nearing the peak of its pandemic. Hospital and intensive care admissions were down. While the coronavirus is infecting and killing black people in the United States at disproportionately high rates, according to data released by several states and big cities, highlighting what public health researchers say are entrenched inequalities in resources, health and access to care. The statistics are preliminary and much remains unknown because most cities and states are not reporting race as they provide numbers of confirmed cases and fatalities. Initial indications from a number of places, though, are alarming enough that policymakers say they must act immediately to stem potential devastation in black communities. On Tuesday, President Trump acknowledged the growing signs of disparity, and said that federal authorities were working to provide statistics over the next two or three days that might help examine the issue. “Why is it that the African-American community is so much, numerous times more than everybody else?” he said at a daily briefing on the coronavirus.
The White House said on Tuesday that the federal government had 8,675 ventilators in a national stockpile available to states who need them, while another 110,000 are to be delivered in coming weeks. The White House also said that the United Kingdom has asked for 200 ventilators.
Nearly 900 Americans have been evacuated from Central American countries and sent back home on the return leg of ICE deportation flights as the COVID-19 pandemic interrupts international air travel, media reported Tuesday. From March 22 through April 5, 853 U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents had been flown to the United States through the “Bringing Americans Home” program. The removal flights have gone to Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. All those returned on government flights are screened to ensure they don’t have a fever prior to boarding the planes, and they are charged for the flight.
ICE also said Tuesday that it is reviewing cases of individuals in detention who may be vulnerable to the coronavirus. As of March 30, 600 detainees were identified as “vulnerable” and more than 160 have been released from ICE custody. Nineteen detainees in ICE custody have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the agency.
The CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately. This Domestic Travel Advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply. These employees of critical infrastructure, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforceexternal icon) have a special responsibility to maintain normal work schedule. The Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will have full discretion to implement this Domestic Travel Advisory.
The US State Department has issued a “Do Not Travel” health advisory. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.
TEXAS – In the Houston area, the number of coronavirus cases climbs to 3,382 with 50 deaths, with 509 recoveries. The build-out for a potential worst-case scenario was well underway in the parking lot at NRG Park Tuesday morning. Officials are working on building a 250-bed hospital at NRG Park which will cost $60 million. This translates to $60 million dollars for 60 days with 75% reimbursed by the federal government through FEMA. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo opted to move forward with this medical investment as coronavirus cases balloon in Houston and Harris County. “Hope is not a strategy. We have to make sure that we are prepared for our worst-case scenario, so we began moving forward,” stated Hidalgo.
NEW YORK – New York City, New York, suffered its deadliest 24 hours of the coronavirus pandemic as more than 4,000 people have now died in America’s largest metropolis, officials said Tuesday night. The city health department’s tally of coronavirus-related deaths reached 3,544 by 5 p.m. EDT, a spike of 806 fatalities from the previous report of 2,738 on Monday night. Additionally, 74,601 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in New York City, according to health officials. Health officials said 19,177 people in New York City were hospitalized due to the virus as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, up from 15,333 reported Monday. According to media, deaths are expected to peak on April 9.
NEW JERSEY – New Jersey experienced its highest coronavirus related death toll in one day so far, reporting 232 deaths, bringing the number of total deaths statewide to 1,232, according to officials Tuesday. The state is reporting a total of 44,416 cases as of Tuesday, and deaths are expected to peak on April 16.
PENNSYLVANIA – Pennsylvania surpassed its single-day record for coronavirus-related deaths, recording 78 more fatalities and nearly 1,600 more cases of COVID-19, according to the state health department Tuesday. The count more than doubled the previous single-day high of 34 deaths, and increased the statewide death toll to 240. Cases statewide total more than 14,550, according to the department, and deaths are expected to peak on April 15.
VERMONT – Vermont has submitted a request for a federal disaster declaration to assist the state in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, media reported Tuesday. The request asks for federal public assistance funds for the state and all towns for costs incurred in the response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as individual assistance. If granted, this disaster assistance provides a 75 percent reimbursement to state and local governments and some non-profits for emergency protective measures. Vermont has 575 cases and 23 deaths as of Tuesday.
MINNESOTA – The White House approved a disaster declaration in Minnesota. This declaration allows for federal funding to aid the state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain nonprofits in areas impacted by coronavirus. Minnesota reported 83 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 1,069. There have now been 34 deaths attributed to the virus. More than half of the cases have recovered and to date, 29,260 people have been tested for the coronavirus. There are currently 120 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Minnesota, with 64 of those in the intensive care unit, according to the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health.
MICHIGAN – The Michigan State Senate and House voted to approve an extension on the state’s emergency declaration for another 23 days. Total cases and deaths stand at 18,970 and 845, respectively, according to Reuters as of Tuesday.
CALIFORNIA – The California National Guard flew ventilators Tuesday to New York, New Jersey, and Illinois as part of an effort to help other states manage a surge of coronavirus hospitalizations, the California governor’s office said. One hundred ventilators each were sent to those three states, while the remaining 200 will be split between Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, and Nevada, to be sent by plane or truck in the coming days, a California official said. The governor’s office said 50 ventilators each would go to those states and the District. Washington and Oregon are also sharing ventilators with hard-hit New York. California is sharing the supplies via the Emergency Management Agency Compact, an interstate organization for states to share resources during emergencies. California projects it will hit its coronavirus peak in mid-May and its hospitals have been able to refurbish and procure new ventilators, giving the state confidence to share some of its supply now, officials said. Illinois officials told California officials that the state plans to receive a new ventilator shipment in early May and will send ventilators back to California at that time, said a California official.
INTERNATIONAL
The government of China announced that there will be stronger controls on the country’s land borders amid concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus disease. 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. The development comes after 20 of 38 new cases of the virus in the country were detected among Chinese nationals who had returned on Sunday, April 5, from Russia via Heilongjiang province. While on Wednesday, April 8, people were permitted to leave the city of Wuhan (Hubei province) for the first time since a lockdown was imposed on Monday, January 27, as authorities begin to ease local restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 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. While travel restrictions have eased in Wuhan, strict control measures continue nationwide. Foreign nationals, including those with valid residence permits, remain prohibited from entering the country as of Wednesday, April 8, with some exemptions such as diplomats and those on deployments deemed essential by the government. As of Tuesday, April 7, there are 83,071 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationwide and 3340 fatalities.
France’s coronavirus disease death toll rose to 10,328 people as of Tuesday, April 7. According to French health authorities, the number of people who have died in French hospitals after contracting COVID-19 has risen to a cumulative total of 7091. The remainder of the deaths have been reported in nursing homes. Official figures also suggest that the number of COVID-19 related fatalities has risen for the second consecutive day, leading experts to believe that the virus is still spreading in the country. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in hospitals is now 78,167, and the number of confirmed or possible cases in nursing homes is 30,902. The French government announced that the existing lockdown measures in place will be tightened in Paris starting on Wednesday, April 8. Under the measure, individuals are prohibited from partaking in any outdoor sports activities in Paris from 10:00 to 19:00 (local time). The measure applies for all Parisian arrondissements. Authorities have also implemented an International Circulation Declaration as of Monday, April 6. The Declaration is required for all travelers seeking to transit through French territories and applies to all forms of transportation. Travel between metropolitan France and oversea territories are also affected by the measure.
In the U.K., Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care as he continues to receive treatment for coronavirus. Mr. Johnson is being kept in St Thomas’ Hospital in London “for close monitoring”, Downing Street said. The PM is “comfortable, he’s stable, he’s in good spirits”, said health minister Edward Argar on Wednesday. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the PM, said on Tuesday he was “confident” the PM would recover from this illness, describing him as a “fighter”. Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, he said Mr. Johnson was receiving standard oxygen treatment and was breathing without any assistance, such as mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support. Meanwhile, the first patients have been admitted to the NHS Nightingale Hospital in east London – a temporary facility set up at the ExCel conference centre. The admissions come two weeks after the hospital with a planned capacity of 4,000 was formally announced – although an NHS spokesperson stressed limits had not been reached at other sites in London. It came as the number of coronavirus hospital deaths in the UK rose to 6,159 on Tuesday – a record increase of 786 in a day, the Department of Health and Social Care said, compared with 439 on Monday. However, the government’s chief scientific adviser told the Downing Street briefing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK “could be moving in the right direction”. Sir Patrick Vallance said it was “possible that we’re beginning to see… the curve flattening”. At the time of this report, the U.K. has 55,949 cases.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing criticism for creating a new coronavirus relief fund when about $500 million was lying unspent in an older fund, even as top businesses and celebrities pledge millions of dollars in new donations. Modi launched the “PM CARES” fund to provide relief to those affected by the coronavirus that has infected more than 5,360 people in India, and killed 164. The fund is expected to help millions of day labourers, many of whose lives were devastated by a nationwide lockdown ordered by Modi to stem the epidemic. But the main opposition Congress party has said the new fund lacks transparency, and it has questioned why it was created and why it couldn’t be merged with the older fund, the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, which was setup in 1948 and has a balance of 38 billion rupees ($498.6 million). Some aid groups are also concerned that the new, high-profile fund might divert resources away from grassroots humanitarian efforts. Less than two weeks after its launch, private firms have committed at least $295 million, according to a Reuters tally of announced contributions and details from lobby group FICCI. Modi has said the fund would benefit the “poorest of the poor” and strengthen disaster management. On Tuesday, the ruling party’s IT head, Amit Malviya, defended the fund, saying on Twitter it was “far more adequate and transparent” than the older relief fund. The new fund, announced in late March, is chaired by Modi and board members include the defence, finance, and home ministers. Corporations and individuals can contribute, and the government has encouraged small donations.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs on March 30 sent a letter titled “AN APPEAL” to top companies, saying donations would be counted under CSR obligations.
In Singapore, the government passed a new law in parliament banning all social gatherings in homes and public spaces to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Private gatherings such as parties or gatherings with family and friends who do not live together are also included in the latest restrictions. Under the new law, the government will also be allowed to restrict individuals’ movements and interactions at their residence and in public areas. According to authorities, the law will be valid for at least six months, and could be extended for up to one year. The latest ban on social gatherings was announced on the same day domestic “circuit breaker” measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 came into effect. Most workplaces, except for those providing essential services, have been shut down. Exemptions have been made for markets, clinics, hospitals, utilities, transport, and key banking services. Restaurants will remain open but will be restricted to takeaway or delivery. Additionally, beginning Wednesday, April 8, all schools will close and will transition to home-based learning. The measures are slated to remain in place until Monday, May 4. As of Friday, March 27, all bars and entertainment venues, including discos and cinemas, have been shut down. Meanwhile, an entry ban on all short-term visitors remains in place as of Sunday, March 23. the Ministry of Manpower announced that only work pass holders, and their dependents, who provide essential services, such as healthcare and transport, will be allowed to enter the country. Malaysians with Singapore work permits will continue to be able to work in Singapore. All Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders returning to the country will be issued a 14-day Stay at Home Notice (SHN) and must remain in the place of residence at all times. As of Tuesday, April 7, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 1481 COVID-19 cases nationwide, with six associated deaths.
In Indonesia, authorities in Jakarta announced that it will be implementing stricter large-scale social measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) for two weeks from Friday, April 10. This comes after Indonesia’s Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto signed a central government order on April 7 giving the Jakarta government power to impose firmer social distancing measures over the next two weeks. Authorities mentioned that further details on the measures, which are in addition to earlier controls, will be released in the coming days. All educational institutions, except for training and research related to health services, will be suspended. In addition, all workplaces will be closed, and authorities have advised employees to work from home. The restrictions will not apply to workers in eight essential sectors such as health, food, energy, and finance. Religious activities will have to be conducted at home only with immediate family members, instead of at places of worship. Non-essential businesses such as bars, spas, and cinemas will be closed, and public transportation will be limited. Gatherings of more than five people are also prohibited. Social and cultural events, including weddings, have been banned. Police patrols will also be increased to ensure compliance with the restrictions. Meanwhile, a state of emergency continues to remain in place in Jakarta since Monday, March 23. On Sunday, April 5, authorities announced that effective Sunday, wearing face masks in public would be mandatory. These measures follow a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) encouraging the use of face masks in public. The government has asked people to reserve the use of surgical and N95 masks for medical personnel, and to use washable fabric masks instead. Previously announced measures remain in place, including the prohibition of all entry and transit by foreign nationals into or through Indonesia. However, foreigners with a limited stay permit card (Kitas), permanent stay permit card (Kitap), or other similar permits, will still be allowed to enter the country. On Friday, March 20, the Indonesian government suspended all visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements for one month. As of Tuesday, April 7, there have been 2738 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia, including 221 associated fatalities.
In Australia, as the country enters its fourth week of heavy physical-distancing measures — resulting in a gradual flattening of the curve — health experts have begun contemplating the “next phase” of Australia’s response, beyond the restrictions. However, according to the experts — including a group of epidemiologists advising the Federal Government — more data on the rate of community transmission is needed before further decisions can be made. University of Melbourne health epidemiologist Kathryn Snow explained that data would help answer the pragmatic questions such as what could we expect in the next few months. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that data would “help us plan the way out” and he committed to releasing the data and subsequent modelling to the public. Speaking on Wednesday, Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia was mapping its path out of the pandemic. “We are working to wipe out community transmission and, as we get on top of that, with medical advice, we will begin to take the steps on the road out,” he said.
“It is likely to be in steps and stages that we can test and reverse. “ Australia has 6010 confirmed cases with 50 deaths.
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations. Most foreign nationals who have been in one of these countries during the previous 14 days will not be allowed to enter the United States.
- China
- Iran
- Most European Countries
- United Kingdom and Ireland
- CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all global destinations: Global Pandemic Notice
CDC recommends that older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions consider postponing travel to the following destinations: Global Outbreak Notice (Level 2 Travel Health Notice)
BUREN R. (Ric) MOORE, SGM (R)
GOHSEP Intelligence Officer
Louisiana State Analytical & Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE) Liaison
7667 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
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.
