Cases of coronavirus are on the rise, and a higher percentage of tests for the airborne virus are coming back positive, meaning the increase isn't because of increased testing.
"COVID is spreading more rapidly," said New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. "It's, it's everywhere."
Dr. Avegno says the region's hospitals are nearing 70 percent of their capacity, as are intensive care units, and unlike last spring, when the surge crowded area hospitals, this time there is no one who can come lend help, because other regions of the country are also in the grip of spiking cases.
Dr. Avegno said everyone must wear a mask, whether it's visiting relatives or dining out -- even keeping masks on between bites. She said the situation has gone too far, and no one wants to see more restrictions imposed.
"If you want to keep your favorite restaurant open, or your favorite wherever open, then you've got to act in your personal and professional life in a way that wouldn't result in them having to close."
