Yesterday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported 1,190 new #COVID19 cases. Of those cases, 1,139 were confirmed and 51 were probable cases. The vast majority (98%) of the newly reported cases were tied to community spread versus spread in congregate settings. The new cases are from all age groups and regions of the state, with the greatest share coming from the Greater Orleans area (34%). These newly reported cases were on 9,562 total tests reported since 1/3; 9,275 molecular and 287 antigen. Another 48 #COVID deaths were reported, bringing Louisiana’s death toll to 7,585 deaths since March 2020. There are 1,891 people in hospitals with 207 on ventilators.
The Louisiana Department of Health is coordinating the COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort in Louisiana. Limited amounts of COVID vaccines will be available beginning January 4, at some local pharmacies when Louisiana will receive the first very limited doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines will be available only for: People 70 years old and above, Ambulatory/outpatient care personnel, People being treated for end stage renal disease (patients on dialysis), Schools of allied health students/residents/staff, Home agency patients and personnel. Vaccinations are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Do not arrive at a location without an appointment. In St Tammany limited amounts will be available at Ochsner Pharmacy and Wellness in Covington and Slidell, Baham Pharmacy, Miley Meds, and Medicine Shoppe in Slidell. In Tangipahoa the participating pharmacies are Albertsons in Hammond, Floyds Pharmacy in Ponchatoula, and Schilling Pharmacy in Kentwood. Many local pharmacies filled the available appointments almost immediately. LDH said they were encouraged by the demand and they do anticipate receiving more vaccines in the coming weeks and months that will allow them to make vaccinations increasingly available for the public.
