Edwards Requests Major Disaster Declaration As Louisiana Fights Coronavirus

Medical personnel talk at a drive-thru Coronavirus COVID-19 testing station at West Jefferson Medical Center on March 17, 2020. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Gov. John Bel Edwards is requesting a major disaster declaration for Louisiana as it fights the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The state has seen over 1,100 cases and over 30 deaths so far from the virus, as of the Louisiana Department of Health's Monday update.

“It is still impossible to know exactly how long the COVID-19 pandemic will impact Louisiana, but what we do know is that we have more cases per capita than every state, except for New York and Washington. Sadly, 34 people have died in Louisiana and our case count continues to rise, which is why we need additional federal aid," said Gov. Edwards. “We have overwhelmed our stocks of key resources needed for our hospitals, first responders and emergency managers. There will be a long-lasting impact on the state of Louisiana, and we have taken aggressive mitigation measures to fight the spread of COVID-19. I have been appreciative of the support of the federal government, especially Vice President Mike Pence’s COVID-19 task force, and I am hopeful FEMA will quickly approve our request as we continue our response and work towards recovery.”

You can read the declaration request here.


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