SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – City and parish leaders along with the Louisiana Department of Health director for the region held a joint briefing online at noon Tuesday to provide an update on the local response to COVID-19.
Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, Caddo Parish Administrator Dr. Woodrow Wilson, Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond, and OPH Region 7 Director Dr. Martha Whyte all spoke briefly via Zoom.
As of 12 p.m. Tuesday, there were 371 cases reported across the following Northwest Louisiana parishes, up 30 cases from Monday. Two new deaths reported in Caddo Parish and Bossier’s first death bring the total deaths in the region to 11.
RELATED: More than 1,200 new COVID-19 cases reported in Louisiana, total deaths now 239
The city and parish leaders want to remind the public to take the pandemic seriously. They want people to adhere to all necessary precautions in place, including the statewide ‘stay at home’ order to ensure people prevent the spread of COVID-19.
RELATED: Louisiana ‘stay at home’ order to be extended through April
With these new precautions can come the disciplinary actions if not followed through. Sheriff Prator says his department will be taking social distancing and all other rules set in place seriously.
RELATED: SPD taking criminal action against violators of stay at home order
Prator also confirmed 5 officers have tested positive in the department and are currently being quarantined with no critical or fatal outcomes.
“We’re not use to being Big Brother. We don’t want to be Big Brother. We want people to comply, because it’s the right thing to do,” said Prator.
If anybody is caught out in a gathering of more than 10 or more people, witnesses are encouraged to call police or crime stoppers.
Dr. Martha Whyte reminded the public of ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus:
- Stay inside. Only go out unless it’s absolutely necessary if you’re an essential employee or for groceries and supplies
- Do not gather with more than 10 people
- Keep washing your hands
RELATED: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport to open 100 new ICU beds
Mayor Perkins announced a virtual prayer call with religious leaders via Facebook Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 P.M.
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