LUY-Development

Tag: virus

  • FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES MAY SEASON CANCELLATIONS 30 Year Season Comes to Halt Amid Coronavirus Concerns

    FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES MAY SEASON CANCELLATIONS 30 Year Season Comes to Halt Amid Coronavirus Concerns

    Natchez, MS — In the interest of helping to protect our performers, patrons, and the
    community, The Natchez Festival of Music Board of Directors have decided to cancel this year’s
    May festival in its entirety.

    Those with purchased tickets are encouraged to contact us by phone at 601-446-1104, or email at
    natchezfestival@gmail.com for refunds or to see what others options may be available to you.

    “We find ourselves in an unusual position, “Festival Chairman, Diana Glaze, commented. “But
    due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing concern for public safety, we feel that this is the
    right decision. We sincerely hope that our supporters will continue to stand behind us as we
    continue to bring high-quality musical performances to Natchez, and the Miss-Lou area, when it
    is again safe to do so.”

    This was to be the Festival’s 30 Year Anniversary, having started back in 1990. Patrons and
    concert go-ers are encouraged to follow the Festival’s social media accounts or e-Newsletter for
    updates on any future performance announcements.

    The Natchez Festival of Music is supported in part by funding from the MS Arts Commission, a
    state agency and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

  • Infections Spreading Rapidly In New Orleans Retirement Home

    Infections Spreading Rapidly In New Orleans Retirement Home

    NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A dozen residents of a New Orleans retirement home are now infected by the coronavirus, which has proven more lethal for older people than other age groups, Louisiana’s governor said.

    One of Louisiana’s four deaths from COVID-19 was an 84-year-old resident of the Lambeth House retirement home in New Orleans, Gov. John Bel Edwards said.

    Dr. Jennifer Avegno, leader of the city health department, stressed that the virus was spreading much faster in New Orleans than in other U.S. cities.

    “This is a rapidly changing situation,” she said. “There is substantial community spread.”

    The governor has ordered bars, gyms and movie theaters to close and limited restaurants to delivery and takeout.

    The number of positive tests for the virus in Louisiana reached 171 by Tuesday, according to the state health department’s latest figures. The fourth death in Louisiana was reported Tuesday, though details on that case were not immediately available.

    Most of those newly testing positive were in New Orleans but there were cases in the northwest corner of the state and a new case in Ascension Parish near Baton Rouge — the first in the area of the state capital. Before that was announced, state legislators had already agreed to temporarily suspend their lawmaking session.

    The Democratic governor said the new restrictions take effect Tuesday and will last until April 13. Casinos also will shutter, and public gatherings of 50 people or more will be banned. No one will be allowed to eat onsite at a restaurant. Edwards warned the situation will be reevaluated before business operations can resume as normal, to determine whether restrictions should be continued.

    “What we’re learning is that it can take two weeks for symptoms to appear. We believe we are still unearthing community spread that’s been around for the past several weeks, which means it is a statewide problem that requires statewide solutions,” the governor said in a statement.

    At a news conference, Edwards emphasized the actions are aimed at slowing the spread of the virus to avoid strain on the health care system.

    “We are at risk for exceeding the ability we have to deliver health care if we don’t slow the transmission,” he said.

    Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a doctor, said Louisiana has the third-fastest infection rate in the country and the confirmed cases do not reflect the number of infections. He called on his state’s residents to heed the warnings of officials: “This is the only way to minimize the number of lives lost. We must work together.”

    In hopes of slowing the spread of the virus across Louisiana, Edwards last week closed K-12 schools and delayed the state’s presidential primaries. His actions are mirroring similar decisions by governors in other states.

    For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

    Meanwhile, the Louisiana Legislature voted Monday to adjourn it’s legislative session until March 31. That came after initial plans to continue working prompted an outcry over the public health risks.

    In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell called on people to keep family gatherings to a reasonable size. She also urged internet providers to find a way to get wireless internet to everyone across the city — such as students needing access to lesson plans while schools are shuttered.

    In heavily Catholic New Orleans and in Baton Rouge, church leaders announced cancellation of masses until further notice.

    Because of the cluster of cases in New Orleans, at least one Baton Rouge hospital, Our Lady of the Lake, announced that no one who has visited New Orleans or neighboring Jefferson Parish in the last 14 days will be allowed to enter the facility.

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    The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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    Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.

  • Mississippi Casinos Close As Precaution Over Coronavirus

    Mississippi Casinos Close As Precaution Over Coronavirus

    JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi casinos are closed, state lawmakers could leave the Capitol for a few weeks, and the state’s top education official is recommending that accountability standards be temporarily suspended as classrooms shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Mississippi reported 12 confirmed cases of the virus as of Monday.

    The Mississippi Gaming Commission said in its order closing the casinos that keeping them open “poses an immediate threat to the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare of patrons and employees.” State law limits casinos to areas along the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast. More than 16,400 employees work in the 26 casinos, which are strong tourist attractions.

    State lawmakers were at the Capitol on Tuesday but were expected to consider suspending their session for a few weeks.

    The Mississippi Board of Education will have an online meeting Thursday to consider a recommendation from state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright. She is asking the board to suspend state and federal assessment and accountability requirements for this school year. If schools need to be closed for an extended period, Wright will recommend that the state board waive requirements for attendance, promotion and graduation, the state Department of Education said in a news release.

    Gov. Tate Reeves issued two executive orders Monday. One makes the National Guard available at testing centers for the virus, with a goal of creating additional testing centers.

    The other order allows schools and state and local governments to give time off to “nonessential personnel.” Reeves said he encourages other employers to do the same. He said that executive order also encourages schools to set up distance learning options.

    He said the second executive order also instructs schools to continue providing free or reduced lunches to thousands of children, although it was not clear how that would be done. Volunteer groups in Tupelo and elsewhere around the state have been handing out free lunches.

    Mississippi’s state health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, said the 12 positive cases of the coronavirus had been found among 289 people tested in Mississippi by Monday. He said labs are accepting samples and testing them each day, and results are generally available in 24 hours or less.

    The Mississippi State Department of Health website said that Forrest County had three virus cases by Monday. Copiah, Hinds and Pearl River counties had two each. Hancock, Leflore and Monroe had one each.

    For most people, coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

    The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. People with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover, according to the World Health Organization.

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    The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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    Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

  • Mayor requests Natchez Pilgrimage, restaurants and stores close or limit number of patrons

    Mayor requests Natchez Pilgrimage, restaurants and stores close or limit number of patrons

    NATCHEZ, Miss. – The Spring Pilgrimage of Natchez’ antebellum homes has been called off as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt life throughout the world.

    Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell had requested Monday that the 22 Spring Pilgrimage houses close their doors to tourists and that restaurants and stores shutter or limit their number of patrons.

    “I am extremely distressed knowing that this will cause economic hardship for us all, but it is important that we follow the lead of the national and worldwide experts,” Grennell said in a statement issued Monday evening.

    The U.S. Centers of Disease Control has recommended gatherings of people be limited to10 or less. The CDC guideline was 50 people earlier, but revised to 10 on Monday.

    Natchez Pilgrimage Tours — in its Facebook post — said the annual event will be rescheduled:

    “In light of the rising COVID-19 concerns, we have made the tough decision to postpone Natchez Spring Pilgrimage 2020. We are saddened to have to postpone, but we know it is in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety. We look forward to hosting all of our lovely visitors later in the spring. Dates will be announced soon.”

    The Spring Pilgrimage tours and events began last Saturday to continue through April 14.

    In his statement issued Monday, Grennell asked Natchez restaurants, bars and retail shops to voluntarily close or strictly limit their in-house patrons to 10 or fewer at a time and to encourage take-outs or deliveries.

    Adams County supervisors on Monday banned gatherings of people in county-owned buildings to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

    Adams County government, as of Monday, was to continue operating with offices open, but some employees should work at home or elsewhere if possible, said Adams County Emergency Management Director Brad Bradford.

    The county board on Monday declared a state of emergency to follow the actions of the leaders of Natchez, the state and the nation in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic that’s sickened more than 180,000 people throughout the world.

    Mayor Grennell issued a state of emergency declaration for the city on Sunday. “I strongly urge everyone — individuals, schools, churches, civic and social organizations, businesses and others — to forego group activities,” the mayor said.

    It has been reported Grennell is being tested for the coronavirus as he suffers the flu.

    Natchez City Hall, as of Monday, was to remain open with reduced staffing and employees working remotely. City staff meetings are being held via teleconference.

    Several city buildings are closed, including the Natchez Convention Center and Natchez Visitors Reception Center — the tourism hub of the city.

    Three meetings at the convention center have been called off for March, said Walter Tipton, who manages the facility. The canceled conventions are tied to schools closed due to the pandemic, he said.

    “All of these are significant groups, and the economic loss to our community will be felt,” Tipton said.

    He expects the groups to reschedule their conventions in Natchez but not sure when as the convention center is closed to large public gatherings for the time being.

    The American Queen Steamboat Co. and American Cruise Lines – which dock in Natchez to bring tourists here – have halted cruises until next month.

    Mississippi’s 26 state-regulated casinos — including Magnolia Bluffs in Natchez — were ordered closed Monday night by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Magnolia Bluffs employs about 215 people, according to commission statistics.

    Most national parks are open, as of Monday, according to the National Park Service, which operates the Natchez National Historical Park.

    Bradford, the county emergency management director, said limiting the number in crowds in one place should remain in effect for up to eight weeks.

    Among the county buildings with restrictions for large assemblies is the Adams County Courthouse. Mississippi Chief Justice Michael Randolph prohibited all state courts from having over 50 people together. In his order issued Sunday before the CDC’s 10-person limit was recommended, Mississippi’s chief court officer said circuit and chancery judges are authorized to postpone trials through May 15. Adams County residents summoned to serve as Circuit Court jurors were told not to report in today.

    Another county building is the Louis Gunning Community Saferoom – a fortress-like storm shelter. Various events are held there but will be canceled for now.

    On Saturday, Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency for Mississippi because of the coronavirus and asked that school districts extend their spring break through Friday. State law gives the Mississippi Board of Education the flexibility to waive the requirement that schools operate for 180 days.

    Bradford acknowledged the widespread disruption the pandemic is having on everyday life: “People say it’s going to be rough.” However, he pointed to the importance of the public getting accurate information to help quell “panic and fear.”

    Adams County Supervisor Kevin Wilson expressed concerns about overreacting to the coronavirus and people going “stir crazy.”

  • Virus Cases Top 100 In Louisiana As More Businesses Close

    Virus Cases Top 100 In Louisiana As More Businesses Close

    The number of coronavirus cases in the state has now topped 100, health officials said.

    The Louisiana Department of Public Health says there are 103 cases, with 74 of those in Orleans Parish. Two people have died in Louisiana.

    For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

    The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. People with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover, according to the World Health Organization.

    In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said it was “unacceptable” that people were ignoring a ban issued by Gov. John Bel Edwards on gatherings of more than 250 people. The violators were “actively increasing the danger to their neighbors and their loved ones,” Cantrell said.

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    The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

    ___

    Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

  • Ability To Hold Your Breath 10 Seconds IS NOT A Test For Covid-19 Coronavirus

    Ability To Hold Your Breath 10 Seconds IS NOT A Test For Covid-19 Coronavirus

    It will not identify persons who are infected

    CLAIM: There is a simple self-check that can be done every morning to see if you have the coronavirus. Take a deep breath and hold it for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without discomfort, stuffiness or tightness it proves there is no fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicating no infection.

    AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. Medical experts say that the test would not provide a clear indication of whether someone has the novel coronavirus.

    THE FACTS: Social media users are sharing the false claim on platforms that include What’s App, Twitter and Facebook. The claim, which has three parts, first says that if a coronavirus patient goes to the hospital too late their lungs will experience 50 percent fibrosis, scarring of the lungs that restricts breathing. It goes on to suggest the 10 second breathing test, finally stating that drinking water every 15 minutes will kill the virus.

    Social media users have falsely attributed the claims to Japanese doctors, Taiwanese experts and even Stanford University.

    Lisa Kim, Stanford Health Care and school of medicine spokeswoman, said in an email that the widely distributed breathing test claim did not come from Stanford University. Despite medical experts and even the World Health Organization debunking these claims, social media users continue to share them on and off social media.

    Dr. Robert Legare Atmar, an infectious disease specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, told The Associated Press that there is no clear evidence that coronavirus causes 50 percent pulmonary fibrosis.

    Experts also said that the 10 second test being shared online would not be a reliable way to determine whether someone has the virus.

    “This approach may be helpful in identifying persons with more serious lung disease,” Atmar said. But it will not identify persons who are infected and have mild to no symptoms.”

    There are many things beyond coronavirus that could lead to restricted breathing, including asthma, anxiety or heart disease, said Dr. Gregory Poland, head of vaccine research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. All could make it difficult to hold your breath for 10 seconds, he said.

    Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organization has continuously updated their social media platforms to debunk false claims around the virus. The WHO Philippines Twitter account on Feb. 7 knocked down the claim about drinking water to avoid getting the virus.

    “While staying hydrated by drinking water is important for overall health, it does not prevent coronavirus infection,” the WHO post stated.

  • Governor Tate Reeves Declares State of Emergency to Protect Public Health

    Governor Tate Reeves Declares State of Emergency to Protect Public Health

    JACKSON — Today, Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency to further ramp up Mississippi’s coordinated response across all levels of government and provide health officials and administrators with the necessary tools and guidance to combat the spread of COVID-19.

    “Taking proactive measures to limit community spread, I have declared a state of emergency to deploy the necessary resources to protect public health and take care of all Mississippians. We are not taking any chances. This is our latest step to respond to COVID-19, and it will not be our last. We will continue coordinating our response efforts and prioritizing the health and well-being for all who call Mississippi home,” said Governor Tate Reeves.

    The Governor addressed the state via video shared on social media, which can be viewed here.

    For media broadcast, the address is available for direct download here.

    Throughout the rapidly changing events surrounding COVID-19, the Governor has been closely monitoring the situation and working closely with Dr. Thomas Dobbs and Director Greg Michel. The declaration enables the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to ramp up coordination among all state and local agencies and enable them to fast-track coordination at all levels of government in Mississippi.

    “I urge all Mississippians to use caution. This is not a time to panic—we are acting calmly and steadily. In this state, we were prepared. We have a pandemic plan that is being followed to the letter. We have tremendous experts who are operating in a way that will protect the public health and save lives. We are listening to those experts, and following their lead every step of the way,” said Governor Reeves.

    More information and updates about COVID-19 in Mississippi are available at healthyms.com.
  • Merit Health Natchez Modifies Visitor Protocols and Policies

    Merit Health Natchez Modifies Visitor Protocols and Policies

    Visitor Restrictions Are in Place for Protection of Patients, Caregivers and the Community
    NATCHEZ, Miss. –March 13, 2020 —Merit Health Natchez is asking for the community’s help in
    maintaining the safety of patients, visitors and our healthcare team members. When in the hospital for
    treatment, the best interest of our patients is to minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious or
    communicable diseases.
    If you have traveled from a high-risk area for COVID-19, have had contact with a person known to be
    infected with COVID-19, and cough, fever or difficulty breathing, patients should tell staff immediately
    and visitors should delay your visit unless seeking medical care.
    Effective today, we have implemented the following entrance and visitor restrictions:
    • There will only be two open entrances to the hospital, the main lobby entrance and the
    Emergency Department. All other entrances will be locked.
    • Only healthy, essential visitors such as immediate family, partner or significant other ages 18
    and older may visit patients.
    • Please limit visitors to one per patient.
    • ICU and Telemetry now have closed visitation with set visiting hours, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
    and 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Only parents of babies are allowed in the nursery.
    • Only one visitor allowed per patient throughout stay in the areas of Labor and Delivery and the
    Emergency Department and they must be 18 years and older.
    • Patients in isolation will have additional visitor restrictions.
    If you would like to drop off a card, gift or message of encouragement, we are happy to deliver those to
    patients. You may also call a patient’s room or visit patients using Facetime or another video
    communication app.
    We appreciate the community’s understanding and compliance.
    About Merit Health Natchez
    Merit Health Natchez is a Joint Commission-accredited hospital with 179-beds and offers a broad range
    of services including emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, labor and delivery, radiology, outpatient
    diagnostic testing, physical therapy and more. Merit Health Natchez holds additional accreditations from
    American College of Cardiology for Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology for
    mammography, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the
    Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine,
    and Advance Disease-Specific Care Certification for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital from The Joint
    Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Learn more at
    www.merithealthnatchez.com.

  • Trump declares virus pandemic a national emergency

    Trump declares virus pandemic a national emergency

    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, as Washington struggles with providing Americans with relief and officials race to slow the spread of the outbreak.

    Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency.” He said the emergency would open up nearly $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak.

    Trump said he was also giving Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws to give doctors and hospitals “flexibility” in treating patients.

    He also announced a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities, as his administration has come under fire for being too slow in making the test available. The partnership will include drive-thru testing in some locations and an online portal to screen those seeking to get tested.

    Still, Trump said that officials don’t want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms. “It’s totally unnecessary,” Trump said. He added, “This will pass.”

  • Gov. Edwards Signs Proclamation Aimed to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana

    Gov. Edwards Signs Proclamation Aimed to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana

    Gov. John Bel Edwards today signed a proclamation that among other actions immediately halts any gathering of more than 250 people until Monday, April 13, closes all K-12 public schools statewide effective Monday, March 16 resuming Monday, April 13, as Louisiana seeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. As of mid-day Friday, Louisiana has 33 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19.

    The Governor will address this order at his 3 p.m. joint media briefing with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell at New Orleans City Hall, which will also be live-streamed at Facebook.com/LouisianaGov.

    “We are at an inflection point now and we are going to take bold action to minimize the further spread of this illness. That is why I am issuing this order today, ending all events of more than 250 people, closing our schools, and reducing the amount of face-to-face public interaction at state government buildings,” Gov. Edwards said. “In a separate executive order, I will grant Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s request to move our upcoming elections for April and May to June and July. The limits on gatherings of 250 people or more statewide is based on federal CDC guidance given the community spread which we are currently experiencing. These steps are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana from the risk of COVID-19.”