Louisiana Department of Health Reports that Louisiana Has Surpassed 18,000 Deaths from COVID-19

Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) revealed on September 23, 2022, that the state has officially surpassed 18,000 COVID-19 deaths since the state logged its first COVID-19 fatality on March 14, 2020. In its Friday COVID-19 statistics update, the Louisiana Department of Health recorded 18,009 deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19, which has claimed over one million American lives since the outbreak began, was the leading cause of death in the United States in 2020 and 2021. (CDC). Since 2020, COVID-19 has been the third largest cause of mortality in Louisiana, trailing only heart disease and cancer.

“Today we mark a tragic and sobering milestone in Louisiana as we recognize the more than 18,000 loved ones from every corner of this state who are no longer with us because of COVID-19. My prayers today and every day are with the grieving families and communities forever altered by this pandemic,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “We have come a long way in combating this virus, and I remain hopeful that we will see fewer deaths in the months and years to come. While we continue to come down from our sixth and longest surge to date, the reality is that this virus is still very much with us. Staying up to date on our vaccines, including taking the new bivalent COVID-19 booster when you are eligible, is the best way to stay safe, protect the progress we have made and ensure there are brighter days ahead.”

“The amount of loss due to this virus is truly staggering. We remember the 18,000 Louisianans who have died because of COVID-19, and who, along with their loved ones, have paid the ultimate price. We must remain vigilant against this pandemic and continue to do everything we can to save as many lives as possible, with more testing, vaccines and treatments than ever before,” said LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips. “As the fall and winter seasons approach, it is important to take precautions to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe and healthy. This year – as we prepare for a potentially active flu season – that means getting both the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster and the flu shot.”

“The magnitude of loss due to a virus that has only been with us for 30 months is difficult and painful to grasp, but it is what focuses and drives our continued efforts to preserve human life,” said LDH State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. “We have made critical progress in the fight against COVID-19 and are on the right track. Case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths are on the decline. Though we have come far, it is likely new variants will continue to emerge, and there may be a fall or winter surge. The good news is that we know how to protect ourselves and communities – getting vaccinated and boosted, testing when exposed or sick, connecting people who are infected and at higher risk for severe disease with evidence-based treatments like Paxlovid, and utilizing prophylactic treatments like Evusheld in those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.”

In Louisiana, about 2.5 million people have completed their initial immunization series against COVID-19.

The updated COVID-19 booster shots, which are now available across Louisiana, are designed to provide continued protection against the original strain of the virus while also providing improved protection against the two lineages of the Omicron variant, BA.4 and BA.5, which account for more than 90% of the virus that is currently circulating.

The CDC and LDH suggest that everyone aged 6 months and up receive vaccination against COVID-19 and that everyone aged 5 and up get a booster as soon as they are eligible.

The CDC and LDH suggest that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccination.

Residents seeking for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine near them should visit vaccines.gov to find a convenient location.