New COVID variant diagnosed in northern Louisiana
As vaccination rates remain low, possibility of further outbreaks remain.
Author: Philip Kiefer
New Orleans COVID-19 meal assistance program to end soon
The city sent out an email on Friday saying that the federally funded program, which has fed more than 10,000 people, would come to an end this month. But an official said that email was 'premature.' Still, the city now plans to end the program after June.
CDC has confirmed another 5 cases of ‘Brazilian variant’ in Louisiana
There are now seven confirmed P.1 variant cases in the state. The agency has not published data on exactly where the most recently reported cases were found.
City mask mandate remains in place, some business restrictions lifted
Earlier in the week, Gov. John Bel Edwards ended the statewide mask mandate.
After months of waiting for eligibility, vaccine drives begin for food and agricultural workers
Food workers are considered essential employees and have experienced some of the worst outbreaks the state has seen. But they were not part of the state’s earliest eligibility groups.
State pauses use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The decision, made out of an abundance of caution, officials said, comes at a critical time in state and city vaccinations efforts.
Vaccine equity improving in city, but still not reflective of racial demographics
Data Center report finds that early eligibility groups meant that the vaccine was more likely to go to at-risk white residents.
City-run walk-up testing helped achieve COVID testing equity goals, study finds
The sites increased testing in Black census tracts, appear to have benefitted the elderly.
City working on COVID vaccine equity as vaccinations of white residents outpace vaccinations of Black residents
City-run initiatives are reaching more people of color, according to officials. But private vaccination sites may attract a whiter group.
The federal government will foot the bill for a renewed hotel shelter program, but New Orleans hasn’t taken the money.
The previous program, which expired in November, transitioned hundreds of people into long-term housing.
