What You Need To Know: Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the ArkLaTex

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - In an effort to keep you and your loved ones safe, KSLA is providing a list of things you need to know, amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Here are the latest number of people who have contracted the virus in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.

• Gov. Edwards issues stay-at-home order effective March 23
• Essential employees in Louisiana now eligible for child care assistance
• Bossier schools end grab-and-go meals; effective Tuesday
• Caddo Schools cancel grab-and-go meals amid stay-at-home order
• Homeschooling tips during the coronavirus crisis
• Shreveport homeless shelter takes extra precautions to protect guests from coronavirus
• Barksdale AFB declares public health emergency
• City of Shreveport rolls out coronavirus strategy
• City Hall was closed after a Government Plaza employee tested positive for COVID-19
• SPD chief announces changes in police complex operations
• Shreveport church hosts ‘Park and Pray’ to help stop the spread of Coronavirus
• Shreveport pastors share how their churches are handling coronavirus concerns
• The Willis-Knighton Health System treated its first COVID-19 patient on Thursday, Mar. 12. The man, who had a travel history that put him at risk of contracting the virus, was tested at the WK Pierremont Health Center
• Willis-Knighton Health, Ochsner LSU Health, and CHRISTUS Health System have designated testing areas for those who have a doctor’s note
• Willis-Knighton sets further restrictions for visitors
• LIST: Willis-Knighton physician network offers virtual visits
• LifeShare in need of blood donations during coronavirus pandemic
• SporTran to reduce routes; free rides for children
• Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) is offering a temporary 5 percent daily discount for senior citizens, through May 5, 2020, in all four banners it operates – Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market and FRESH by Brookshire’s. The discount is available to guests age 60 or older with a valid ID
• Belk stores temporarily close, Target cutting hours due to coronavirus
• All twenty commercial casinos across the state have closed for a minimum of 14 days
• Louisiana bars, movie theaters and fitness centers are closed; restaurants have limited access due to coronavirus concerns
• La. OMV locations to close due to COVID-19
• Local restaurants in Shreveport-Bossier offering drive-thru, take out or delivery
• The coronavirus outbreak is now shutting down courts in Bossier, Webster and Caddo parishes
• Dental offices in La. closing for non-essential procedures
• The 2020 regular legislative session is temporarily suspended until March 31 due to coronavirus
• The Louisiana National Guard is not tasked with breaking up large gatherings in the state, including at churches
• Gov. Edwards announced LA Wallet, the state of Louisiana’s official digital driver’s license, will be made available to residents free of charge
• Gov. Edwards signs update to waive attendance, testing requirements amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Louisianans whose workplace has temporarily closed and those who have been told to take unpaid time off may be eligible for unemployment benefits
• La. Gov announces all small businesses eligible for COVID-19 business aid
• Utility customers won’t lose service during COVID-19 coronavirus emergency
• Louisiana has launched a statewide call network. Dial 211 or text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211, with questions

The Louisiana Department of Health has a 24/7 counseling service for those who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious or need help coping with COVID-19 related stress.

Professionals will provide information for services related to mental health and substance abuse related to coronavirus. Call 1-866-310-7977.

• The CDC is no longer requiring state agencies to get a secondary confirmation on coronavirus tests that return positive
• The coronavirus outbreak is having a greater impact on adults 60 and older. People with heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes also may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19

• All public schools in Arkansas will remain closed following the coronavirus outbreak
• The Arkansas Department of Health is monitoring the spread of COVID-19 daily
• Governor Abbott waives STAAR testing requirements
• Texas governor issues order banning restaurant dining, closing gyms
• What we know about the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in East Texas
• Many Texas schools could be closed through academic year due to coronavirus.
• A&M-Texarkana extends online instruction through Spring 2020
• Voluntary curfew announced in Texarkana; emergency disaster declarations declared
• Oklahoma Public Schools will be closed until Monday, April 6 amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic
• Confirmed cases, provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Health

• Shreveport Memorial Library – All library programs, outreach events and meeting room use have been cancelled. Libraries will close from March 17- April 13.
• Bossier Parish Library – All library programs and events, including outreach events now suspended until further notice. Libraries will close on March 17.
• R.W. Norton Art Gallery & BLOOM! Festival – The museum will be closed from Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, April 19. The gardens will remain open. BLOOM! Festival has been cancelled
• The Glen – Suspending the CATS series of public events until further notice.
• All casinos, bars and movie theaters – Closed starting at midnight on March 17, 2020. Will last 14 days or longer
• Artspace – Closed until March 28, 2020
• SciPort – Closed until April 1, 2020
• Shreveport Aquarium – Closed until further notice

In addition to our daily 6:30 p.m. half-hour special, FACTS NOT FEAR, we will provide updates on the latest cases and death tolls on air, online and via the KSLA News 12 app.

May appear 2-14 days after exposure

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Illnesses range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed cases.

Mainly from person-to-person

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for more serious complications

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Stay home if you’re sick, except to get medical care

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

• Wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
• If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), you should cover your coughs and sneezes.
• People who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Pandemic diseases are new global viruses that can easily infect people and “spread from person to person in an efficient and sustained way.” There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Copyright 2020 KSLA. All rights reserved.