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LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard provided information on the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation at the recent televised Parish Council meeting and advises residents to use precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a Public Health Emergency for the state of Louisiana and as of March 11, 2020, there have been 13 presumptive cases in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Department of Public Health, 10 are residents of Orleans, one is a resident of Jefferson, one of Caddo Parish and one of Iberia. The presumptive positive tests will be sent to the Center for Communicable Diseases (CDC) for final confirmation of COVID-19. 

President Hotard and her Administrative staff, Public Safety, Fire and Health and Human Services, met recently to implement proactive measures within Parish Government such as heightening disinfecting measures in workspaces, offices and frequently touched surfaces as well high traffic areas within parish facilities. Information was relied to the janitorial companies and additionally, supplies are being given to employees to assist with these efforts. 

Also, updates on COVID-19 as well as precautions residents and businesses should be taking have been continuously shared on communication outlets including the Government Access Channel (15/99) Website at sjbparish.com, Facebook and Instagram. 

We want to reiterate the following proactive steps to protect the health of our residents: 

–         Cover your cough 

–         Stay home if you are sick 

–         Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or with a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. 

–         Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (phone, car handles, doorknobs, light switches, etc.) 

–         Avoid close contact (within six feet) with those who are sick 

–         Elderly and those with chronic health issues are more vulnerable and should take extra measures to ensure health safety 

Also, please only seek information from a reliable source, either the CDC or Louisiana Department of Health, as this information has been verified. We remain in touch with these agencies as well as the Governor’s Office and will continue to send out updates as we receive them. 

— Submitted by St. John Parish Communications 

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In related news, The Blood Center is asking for individuals to make and keep appointments to donate blood.

“We’re seeing cancellations and rapidly decreasing numbers of blood donors right now. There’s concern over the coronavirus, but hospitals face a bigger problem if there’s no blood available,” said Dr. Tim Peterson, medical director of The Blood Center. “We’re urging the public to follow the personal hygiene protocol suggested by the CDC, but also schedule an appointment to give blood.”

It is imperative that healthy individuals donate to minimize disruptions to the blood supply and ensure blood is available for patients. Because of coronavirus, the challenges of maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply are significantly increasing due to low donor turnout. Many organizations are cancelling scheduled blood drives, reducing the number of blood donations and collection events. Blood already on the shelves saves lives, and maintaining a sufficient blood supply is essential to ensure patients in need receive optimal treatment.

Scheduled blood donations ensure the fastest donation time, because staff is expecting the donor. The donor is able to begin the survey portion of the donation process from home, an office or virtually any web enabled device.

Visit TheBloodCenter.org to schedule a donation appointment or call 800-86-BLOOD to help organize a blood drive for your business, school, civic or religious organization today.