Louisiana has recorded its second death from coronavirus, state health officials announced Sunday morning. The victim was a 53-year-old with underlying medical conditions being treated at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans.
"Sadly, we have lost our second Louisianan to COVID-19,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “We ask the state to join us in sending prayers to the family members and friends who are going through this difficult time. As the number of positive cases continues to rise, we need every person to take the necessary actions to help reduce the spread of this virus. It is an extremely serious situation that demands all of our attention. Our elderly and those with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable, but we all need to act responsibly and look out for ourselves and our neighbors.”
"The news this morning of a second death in New Orleans is deeply heartbreaking to me, personally --- and is additional tragic news for the people of our City," New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a Facebook post. "The patient in this instance was a friend of mine, but every one of those impacted by this outbreak is someone’s friend, someone’s loved one. Our people are being hurt by this, and we all have a role to play in trying to keep them safe. Keep these victims and their families in your prayers, and in their name, for their sake: fight the spread."
The Louisiana Department of Health said the number of coronavirus cases has increased to 91 as of Sunday morning, with 65 in Orleans Parish, 12 in Jefferson and four in St. Tammany.
St. Charles and Terrbonne have each reported two cases. There is 1 case apiece in Bossier, Caddo and Lafourche parishes. LDH adds there is an additional case involving an out-of-state resident.
The state lab has completed 247 coronavirus tests.