Calcasieu Parish Police Jury COVID-19 Briefing from March 20

Published March 20, 2020

March 20, 2020, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury held a news briefing to updated the public about COVID-19 in Southwest Louisiana. Below you can find some of the key points mentioned at the briefing. A video of the full briefing is also available below the list of key points.

Key Points from CPPJ COVID-19 Briefing on March 20, 2020

• Three confirmed cases so far in Calcasieu Parish.
• Symptoms included fever, coughing, shortness of breath.
• It is believed that there is now community spread in Louisiana.
• If you believe you are sick before you go back to work or in public you should have had symptoms for at least 7 days and be symptom-free for 3 days if sick even if you haven’t been tested.
• 479 cases in LA 10 deaths in LA.
• Practicing social distancing (staying six feet apart) is saving lives and is strongly recommended for everyone to practice.
• Self-treatment at home if you have symptoms: Use over the counter fever reducer, decongestant, cough suppressants, or multi-symptom treatments.
• Contact 211 to locate testing locations and other non-emergency information about COVID-19.
• COVID-19 symptoms show up 2-14 days after exposure.
• Information will be passed out to the homeless population to provided them with information about COVID-19.
• Mobile handwashing sinks will be placed throughout the City of Lake Charles for the homeless.
• Waters Edge is asking for donations of hand sanitizer.
• Workplaces should follow the directive of the governor, including avoiding groups of 50 or more.
• No quarantine or possibility of quarantine or shelter in place in Louisiana has been mentioned.
• There are no current law enforcement issues.
• There are no places to enforce a curfew for Calcasieu Parish at this time.
• Local chemical plants are planning to continue to operate, and have also made plans should they have to go to essential personnel only.
• Plant managers are working to have their workers practice social distancing both while at work and on their way to and from work.