Coronavirus: Gov. Edwards closes public schools, bans large gatherings, postpones election

NEW ORLEANS - As suspected coronavirus cases continued to surface, Gov. John Bel Edwards issued an executive order Friday to close all Louisiana's public schools, ban gatherings of 250 or more and postpone the state's April 4 presidential primary election.

The order is in effect until April 13, and the ban on large gatherings means many churches in the state will not be able to hold services. Later on Friday at a press with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Edwards warned the restrictions could be extended if necessary as the state's count of presumptive positive cases grew to 36.

“We are at an inflection point now and we are going to take bold action to minimize the further spread of this illness," Edwards said "That is why I am issuing this order today, ending all events of more than 250 people, closing our schools, and reducing the amount of face-to-face public interaction at state government buildings."

Individual schools will decide whether to continue instruction remotely and will notify families directly of those plans. School cafeterias, which many children rely on for meals, will remain open "for as long as possible," Edwards said.

“In a separate executive order, I will grant Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s request to move our upcoming elections for April and May to June and July. The limits on gatherings of 250 people or more statewide is based on federal CDC guidance given the community spread which we are currently experiencing. These steps are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana from the risk of COVID-19," Edwards said.

Edwards has said as the state ramps up testing and more private tests become available, additional cases will be identified. In addition to Orleans, other parishes with cases include Caddo, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, Terrobone and St. Tammany.

"All of us are considering how to rearrange our lives to avoid unnecessary interactions," Edwards said.

State health officials reported the spike in cases Friday, including nine residents at a retirement community in Uptown New Orleans.

New Orleans has seen the vast majority of cases in the state so far with 26. Health officials are still calling these cases presumptive positive because while they have been confirmed in state labs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has to provide final confirmation. 

Cantrell declared a state of emergency for New Orleans earlier this week, which will help the city access federal and state support to help contain the spread of the infection. Cantrell said the city is evaluating the potential use of the old Veterans Administration building as well as tents to triage patients should there be a sudden surge in cases requiring hospitalization. 

The state loosened guidelines for testing for the virus on Friday, informing providers to test any patient who has tested negative for flu but has fever as well as shortness of breath. Commercial labs started providing testing this week in Louisiana. 

The Lambeth House in New Orleans announced it has been working with the Ochsner Health System to start testing residents who are presenting symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Nine residents at the nursing and assisted-living center have tested presumptive positive.

Earlier this week the center confirmed three cases and took immediate measures to try to contain the spread of the disease, including closing down their wellness center and cafe as well as restricting access to non-essential visitors. 

"The environment is challenged," said Greg Beuerman, a spokesperson for Lambeth House. "These are creative and talented people who are highly mobile, social people so it is causing a shift in their lifestyles. They are concerned."

He said the residents at the center are adjusting to the changes even though this has hit home. 

Where is coronavirus?:Map shows coronavirus cases in Louisiana and beyond

The first Louisiana case of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, was reported in New Orleans on Monday. That case involved a veteran from Jefferson Parish. The latest cases were reported across eight different parishes in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

"We are a state that has been tested and tried many times. This test is a little different from those in the past," Edwards said. "The time for serious action is now."

Public health officials are asking the public to call their primary care provider before going to an emergency room or doctor's office. People without a primary care provider who have questions about COVID-19 or feel like they may be developing symptoms can contact 1-211 or text LACOVID to 898-211 for information. 

Maria Clark is a general assignment reporter with The American South. Story ideas, tips, questions? Email her at mclark@theadvertiser.com or follow her on Twitter @MariaPClark1. Sign up for The American South newsletter.