Hotard updates community on reopening parish; testing centers closed Thursday due to weather
Published 3:27 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2020
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Parish President Hotard held a news conference today to update the public on the current status of COVID-19, testing and reopening in St. John Parish.
“I want to thank our residents and businesses who have been doing their part so that we can get through this as quickly and safely as possible,” said President Hotard. “I understand the desire to reopen and get back to business as usual, but the health and safety of the community always has been and always will be my number one priority. It would be grossly irresponsible to randomly choose a date that we can fully reopen. I will act on the science and defer to our health experts and the Governor before any decisions are made. I implore your patience while we navigate through this unprecedented disaster that has viciously attacked our community.”
To date, St. John has 704 cases of COVID-19 and 57 deaths. Approximately, 59 Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home residents have tested positive for COVID-19, of whom 22 have passed away. The War Veterans Home is anticipating an additional 49 pending test results.
President Hotard reminded all residents and businesses that the Governor’s Statewide Stay at Home Order is still in effect. She urged everyone to continue to take all of the precautions needed to slow the spread of Coronavirus in the community including social distancing, staying home except for essentials and wearing a mask when going out.
Testing sites will temporarily close on Thursday, April 23, due to threat of severe weather. Testing at Walmart in LaPlace, Wallace Fire Station, Gramercy Elementary and Hahnville High school will reopen on Friday, April 23, 2020, at 8 a.m. until test capacity is met.
