The Louisiana Department of Health reports Louisiana's first "presumptive positive" case of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
A press release from the Louisiana Department of Health says a Jefferson Parish resident was hospitalized in Orleans parish. WWL First News has confirmed the patient is at the V.A. hospital.
The governor also spoke about the state's presumed coronavirus case at his opening speech to the Legislature in their regular session.
"Just minutes ago while I was on a conference call with Vice President Mike Pence about the coronavirus, I learned that we have a presumptive positive case here in Louisiana," said Governor Edwards. "It still has to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
The Governor adds, "Understand, however, that we are treating this as a positive case and this confirmation process will not slow us down from taking any necessary actions to continue monitoring and preventing the spread of this virus."
Related: 2020 Legislation meets today in Baton Rouge
Related: U.S. State Department urges travelers to avoid cruise ships
In a press release today, Mayor Latoya Cantrell acknowledged the presumed case in her parish.
"We prepared for this moment, and we are ready," said Cantrell. "Our public safety team and our public health leaders are working in close collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health and with the Governor's office. At this time, we believe the risk to the public remains low — but we are being vigilant and deliberate at every stage."
We prepared for this moment, and we are ready. At this time, we believe the risk to the public remains low — but we are being vigilant and deliberate at every stage.@nolaready @nolahealthdept pic.twitter.com/bfnfIpx6dl
— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) March 9, 2020State officials encourage Louisianans to take the following proactive steps to protect the health of themselves and those around them. pic.twitter.com/b7fHhiuwLI
— The City Of New Orleans (@CityOfNOLA) March 9, 2020
