The death toll from the COVID-19 coronavirus reached 14 in Louisiana Friday.
The latest reported deaths involved a 38-year-old Catahoula Parish resident, a 77-year-old Jefferson Parish resident and a two Orleans Parish residents, a 72-year-old and 49-year-old. The Louisiana Department of Health says all had underlying medical conditions.
“Today Louisiana confirmed four deaths related to COVID-19 and 145 new cases of the illness, which is rapidly spreading in our state and is now in 27 parishes. As I have noted many times before, the coming days and weeks are critical to flattening the curve and reducing the spread of illness in Louisiana," said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “We have put in place aggressive measures already, including limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing public schools, bars, casinos, movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers and limiting restaurants to drive through, take out or delivery options. I am supportive of local efforts, like those from Mayor LaToya Cantrell in New Orleans, to further reduce the spread in their communities. All people must heed the orders of both state and local officials during this critical time.”
As of Friday afternoon, Louisiana had reported 537 cases statewide. Orleans Parish had the majority of cases with 326, followed by Jefferson Parish with 104.
St. Tammany had 12 cases, and East Baton Rouge had 7. Seven cases remain under investigation for a parish of origin.
Coronavirus cases were reported in 28 of Louisiana's 64 parishes.
LDH said the state lab had completed 1,084 tests.