Gov. John Bel Edwards has announced Louisiana's first presumptive positive case of coronavirus, a Jefferson Parish resident currently hospitalized in Orleans Parish.
“While today is the first time that we can confirm that we have a presumptive positive coronavirus case, Louisiana has been preparing for this moment for many weeks," the Governor said in a press release. "The CDC still believes the risk to the general public is low, but we will work quickly and decisively to assess the risk to those around this patient.”
The Governor's office says the state will send the presumptive positive test to the CDC for final confirmation. The Office of Public Health's epidemiology team will also investigate those who have come in close contact with the patient, including health care workers.
Gov. Edwards said his opening remarks to state lawmakers at the start of this year's legislative session would include comments about the presumptive positive case.
Photo: Getty Images