Health Department Reports COVID Backlog, As Cases, Hospitalizations, Percentage of Positivity Rise | health department

While this translates to a significant increase in COVID cases reported today, the Department will reallocate those overdue lab results to their sample collection dates, which run from 9/12 to September 18. Of the 2,538 total backlogs, 1,038 cases of COVID date back to Halloween (10/31).

These cases come from all regions, with the most affected being the regions of Shreveport / Bossier (498 cases) and Monroe (872 cases). The majority of these cases (85%) are related to the spread of the community and not to places of gathering like retirement homes.

LDH last Friday reported a new record – the largest single-day increase reported since the start of the pandemic in Louisiana. New cases among several age groups are increasing sharply statewide. Notable increases have continued for nursing home residents and staff cases over the past week.

The percentage of positivity is also increasing statewide. The Department identified an increase in the percentage of positivity in 55 of the 64 parishes.

Per capita hospitalizations for the state are on the rise in the past 14 days.

On Wednesday, LDH reported 4 new outbreaks of bars with 21 associated cases in the past week. Four new outbreaks of churches with 13 associated cases have been identified since November 10. Other outbreaks have also been identified in restaurants, gymnasiums and industrial settings.

Since that report, 18 more outbreaks with 97 associated cases have been reported this week. These include 4 new outbreaks related to restaurants, 4 new outbreaks related to industrial settings and 3 new outbreaks related to religious events / services. Unfortunately, 2 deaths among epidemic cases linked to religious services have been reported.

LDH has identified an increased number of outbreaks and cases associated with small social gatherings – happy hours, game nights and family dinners. The public should keep this in mind with less than a week before Thanksgiving.

Wear a mask. Social distance. Wash your hands often. Take any small gathering outside. We know that these simple public health measures work when we all take them to heart.