This afternoon the Red River Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness held a meeting to discuss the latest developments in COVID-19, the coronavirus outbreak. Representatives of just about every agency in the parish attended including law enforcement, city and parish governments, health care facilities, schools, and members of the clergy.
The discussion centered on ways to protect yourself and your family from the virus, what to do if you are ill, and how to prevent or limit exposure to others who may have come in contact. Other topics addressed rumors and misinformation circulating on social media, and what to do if you become ill.
Angela Rowell with the Louisiana Department of Health said the “best defense is to wash your hands and maintain social distance from others.” The Journal asked Rowell how the COVID-19 was spread. She said, “It is spread by droplets from a cough or sneeze. It is not an airborne illness. The droplets do stay on surfaces, or on a hand used to cover a sneeze.”
Asked how long the virus could survive on a surface, Rowell said, “The surface life had been estimated at an hour. Now it is estimated at three days. They are still testing to see how long the virus can survive on a surface.”
Dr. Wyche Coleman spoke on precautions in place at the clinic. He said, “If you need prescription refills or a routine visit, don’t come. Come to the emergency room only if you think you need to be admitted to the hospital or it is an emergency like shortness of breath or chest pain.”
Dr. Coleman said the clinic has someone at the door screening everyone who approaches asking the reason for their visit. The patient would be asked to return to their car until they could be seen.
Brandon Hillman, Administrator of Christus Coushatta said the hospital has restricted visitors, following national guidelines. Hillman said, “We have shut down all but two entrances. Anyone coming will go through a screening process. We are open for business and we are mindful that we don’t overexpose our patients.”
Dr. Coleman said that some people have been tested here. He added, “We do not have a case diagnosed here. The test that were made will take at least four days for results to be reported back to us.”
Both Hillman and Dr. Coleman said any patient diagnosed locally would be reported to the state health department and that agency would issue a report. The reason is federal privacy regulations prohibit releasing the identity or information about patients.
Karen Squires with Red River schools said they will prepare updates on the situation with schools each Tuesday and Thursday and distribute via robocalls, text messages and emails to staff, parents and students. The Journal will also publish those messages from the school system.
The state health department has a website with the latest information on the virus. That site is www.LDH.la.gov/coronavirus.