The Louisiana Department of Health has updated its website to reflect the latest number of COVID-19 positives and will continue to update its website at noon each day. As of noon on April 15, the Department reported 433 additional cases since yesterday, bringing the total to 21,951 positive cases.
Hospitalization
A total of 1,943 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized; of those, 425 patients require ventilation.
Deaths
The Department reports an additional 90 deaths since yesterday, bringing the total to 1,103 deaths. Deaths are listed on the LDH dashboard by parish under the by parish tab and information by age can be found on the by age tab.
Nursing homes
COVID-19 cases have been reported by 124 nursing homes in Louisiana. 1,320 COVID cases have been reported among residents of nursing homes; 275 COVID-19 deaths have been reported among residents of nursing homes. These facilities care for thousands of Louisianans, including older people and those with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. This does not include other adult residential settings.
In many cases, a nursing home resident is tested and diagnosed with COVID-19 by a provider outside of the long-term care facility. The facilities have begun self-reporting positive cases to the Department of Health. Due to the volume, the Department is no longer listing individual facilities. The Department continues to work with facilities to minimize the spread of the illness and protect residents and staff. Facilities have been given guidance to minimize the spread of illness.
The Department will update the number of nursing homes with COVID-19 cases, the number of nursing home residents who are confirmed to have COVID-19 and the number of deaths among these residents on Mondays and Wednesdays.
I am curious about the active number of cases, those who have not recovered from it. If the cases in Natchitoches follow the early trends, worldwide, and from what we have seen so far in the US, then about 40% of those cases should be past the danger, and probably all of them past the point they are contagious. So, maybe there are 25 cases in Natchitoches now?
Let me hasten to add, we should all continue to be vigilant and follow the guidelines. No reason to grow lax when we are probably past the worst part and there is an end in sight. If we get careless we can quickly undo all the work that has been done so far.
This is a new virus, some say it is a derivative of the SARS virus. Regardless, there is still a lot medical science doesn’t know about it. Better safe than sorry…always works well.
I just think, as we all start to think about the post-pandemic period, and a “return to normalcy” that the best, most reliable information would be helpful. I believe if you give Americans real information, the truth, that we will act appropriately. And, a little encouraging news, as in “look, what we’ve been doing is working, keep it up!” would motivate folks to maintain adherence to the mandates.
Stay safe, everyone.
Thanks for the positive response.
Well said