April 2020

To mask or not to mask? That is the question

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When we are allowed out of the house these days, we are faced with a barrage of masked faces and greeted with shiny plexiglass at every turn. I saw a business this weekend that was requiring people to wear masks upon entry.

But some doctors say it is our patriotic duty to not to wear a mask when you are out shopping for essentials. As the virus spreads, hospitals across the country are running into a shortage of not only masks, but surgical gowns, eye gear and gloves.

Notes from a coronavirus hot spot

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New Orleans is right outside my door. But I can’t go out. Not much, anyway. My wife and I are selfconfined to quarters, working at home and limiting travels to grocery runs and walks with the dogs alongside the St. Charles streetcar tracks.

Streetcars still rumble by, but they are mostly empty, on a route that takes them to the edge of a sedate French Quarter, where Bourbon Street looks like a ghost town.

ASSIST Agency still available to help

Although the ASSIST Agency’s offices are closed to the public at this time, those in need can still reach out for help.

“Our offices are not open at this time but we are still available by phone,” said Community Services Director Edna Simar. “We are currently waiting to hear from our funders if any extra money will be available soon to assist during this healthcare crisis.”

All services provided by the agency are still being offered at this time.”

Edwards: State may be turning the corner on virus

BATON ROUGE (AP) — Even as the coronavirus pandemic claimed a newborn baby in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Monday the latest COVID-19 hospital admission and death rates could suggest new infections are slowing as more residents stay home and away from others.

ACLU seeks release of federal prison inmates where 5 died

(AP) - A class-action lawsuit filed Monday seeks the release of hundreds of highrisk inmates at a federal lockup in Louisiana where the coronavirus has claimed the lives of five prisoners and infected nearly two dozen others.

The American Civil Liberties Union claims Attorney General William Barr did not go far enough last week in a directive to begin releasing vulnerable prisoners at the FCC Oakdale to home confinement.

Texas troopers begin screening travelers from Louisiana

ORANGE, Texas (AP) — State troopers started stopping and screening travelers entering Southeast Texas from Louisiana on Sunday, in accordance with an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott.

Troopers stopped vehicles at a visitors center on Interstate 10 near Orange, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Houston, and required travelers to complete a travel form, said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Stephanie Davis, who told KFDM-TV that no one was being turned back.

Congress, White House reach high for next virus bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders are jolting ahead with another coronavirus rescue package as President Donald Trump indicated Monday that Americans will need more aid during the stark pandemic and economic shutdown.

Virus deaths slow in places, British PM’s condition worsens

NEW YORK (AP) — The steep rise in coronavirus deaths appeared to be leveling off Monday in hard-hit New York, echoing a trend underway in Italy and Spain, while the crisis escalated alarmingly in Britain, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care after his condition deteriorated.

Johnson, 55, was conscious and did not immediately need to be put on a ventilator, his office said. The prime minister is the world’s first known head of government to fall ill with the virus.

NFL going with virtual format for upcoming draft

(AP) - The NFL draft will be conducted in a virtual format, with team personnel working from their homes.

In a memo sent to the 32 teams Monday and obtained by The Associated Press, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell outlined procedures for the April 23-25 draft. The guidelines include no group gatherings.

FOOD DELIVERY AND TAKEOUT

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THE MOST IMPACTFUL precaution you can take when ordering food delivery, including grocery and liquor deliveries, is to avoid direct contact with couriers. Where possible, choose services that offer contactless delivery; many delivery apps have contactless delivery options that also allow you to tip delivery workers. (Please tip delivery workers well!