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Video

Governor Edwards addresses LA surging COVID-19 numbers

By Kenny KuhnJul 16, 2021

Today, Governor John Bel Edwards says the increase in the state’s COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths are alarming.

The number of new cases has increased since June due to the Delta variant circulating throughout the state.

Edwards says the state lost more than four months of progress in reducing COVID hospitalizations. Edwards adds people with underlying conditions, people of advanced age, and people living in congregate housing are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and need extra protection such as wearing a mask and social distance.

Statewide, the positivity rate is now at 6.3% almost three times more than the number of cases three weeks ago, Edwards said.

“Since February of this year, 97% of cases and deaths have been in individuals who have not been vaccinated,” said Governor John Bel Edwards at his Friday press conference.

Despite the rising COVID-19 numbers, Governor Edwards says the state is not yet where it needs to be for him to consider re-imposing any COVID mandates or restrictions.

"I am not considering re-imposing any mitigation measures or mandates," said Edwards. "We're just not there yet. Now we will obviously continue to look at the numbers over time."

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the number of new cases diagnosed each day in Louisiana has been increasing since June 16 and is now increasing in all nine regions of the state. The statewide average daily number of cases per 100,000 residents has increased 177% over the past 14 days.

Edwards says the surge in hospitalizations are taking a toll on an already stressed hospital system.

“If you have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine and you’re 12 or older, it’s time to run, not walk, to one of the more than 1,400 locations where it is readily available all across the state of Louisiana,” Gov. Edwards said.

“The Delta variant of COVID is now the dominant strain in Louisiana and without the protection that the safe and effective vaccines offer, you are far more likely to become ill with COVID in Louisiana. Our hospitals are again stretched thin with limited staff capacity, and the vast majority of COVID patients are not yet fully vaccinated against the illness."

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