Ouachita Parish's 1st COVID-19 Death

An unidentified local man died at St. Francis Medical Facility Sunday (March 22)evening, a death that has brought a new uncertainty for residents in the city of Monroe. Though details of the individual’s death were limited, hospital officials did confirm that the man was infected with the coronavirus or COVID-19 by its medical name. The hospital did confirm that all medical protocol was taken when the virus was detected. The man was also alleged to have had pre-existing health conditions when he contracted the virus. But to a community, parish, or state, that individual was someone who had a name, face and a relationship with those that knew him. It was unfortunate that he contracted the virus, but it can be seen as a reminder that we still have a long way to go before things get better. As we see mayors across Louisiana look for guidance from the Gov. Edwards and even from the president, Donald Trump, it is the people in their community who can make all the difference in the world. No of us wants to be in the situation that we find ourselves in, but there are common sense things that we can do. First, make sure that you get sound medical facts from doctors, not heresy. There are still those who spread disinformation, as the last thing needed is a confused public. We can all take sanitary precautions, with constant washing of your hands being the first. Limit social contact to the bare minimal. The person that died at St. Francis and others who have also passed, this reporter is convinced, would say the same. His family, as others before, are mourning over their loss. We will one day know his name and who he was. But the memory of him being a victim of the coronavirus will stay with the community for a long time. We will get through this. Louisiana COVID-19 latest: 46 deaths; 1,388 total cases; 43 of 64 parishes report cases; 271 hospitalized / 94 on ventilators & 8,603 tests conducted Louisiana's stay-at-home order went into effect Monday March 23 as the state works to prevent a worst-case scenario in which its hospitals could become overwhelmed due to COVID-19. In Louisiana, 43 parishes are reporting coronavirus cases. More than 1,600 tests have been completed by the state lab while more than 8,603 tests have been reported. Louisianans who have died outside of New Orleans lived in Jefferson, Washington, East Baton Rouge, St. James, Ascension, Rapides, Ouachita, West Baton Rouge, Webster and Catahoula parishes. While New Orleans leads the state with coronavirus cases, other cities are impacted, as well. Shreveport, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette and Baton Rouge are all now dealing with COVID-19. It's one of the reasons that Gov. John Bel Edwards issued the stay-at-home order for all of Louisiana. He said more needs to be done to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Edwards highlighted the number of coronavirus cases in the state, adding that one study found Louisiana has the fastest growth rate of cases in the world. He said if the state does not get a handle on its coronavirus cases, hospitals could become overwhelmed in seven to 10 days.