Well-known personal injury attorney Morris Bart hoped his low fever, cough and fatigue were merely products of the sinus infections that so often afflict him during New Orleans’ springtime allergy seasons.

But when a course of antibiotics didn’t cure him, he said he was tested for the new coronavirus at Touro Infirmary on Tuesday — and the results came back positive.

Bart, 67, said Wednesday that he was coping well with his symptoms, which he described as mild. He said he was following medical recommendations to remain isolated until he is declared recovered, completing his work from home and keeping in touch with members of his law firm through video conferencing.

“I am pleased to say I am very lucky,” Bart said. “I should be well.”

+6 Morris Bart-themed birthday bash is the gift that keeps on giving for one youngster L’erin Dobra wasn’t trying to start a media firestorm when she used personal injury attorney Morris Bart as the theme for her son’s second bir…

Many in New Orleans know Bart for his TV commercials and ubiquitous billboards that all feature his trademark slogan — “One call, that’s all.” He is also a constant courtside presence at New Orleans Pelicans basketball games.

Bart said he wasn’t sure when he was exposed to the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, a highly contagious respiratory disease that as of Wednesday had sickened more than 5,000 people and contributed to 208 deaths in New Orleans.

He said he is diligent about washing his hands and keeping them away from his face, which is among the recommended hygiene practices meant to prevent people from becoming infected with COVID-19.

+3 Coronavirus in Louisiana: Hospitalized patients, people on ventilators decrease; see full data Louisiana's known cases of coronavirus rose to 17,030 and the number of reported coronavirus-related deaths increased to 652 on Wednesday.

Like many locals, he said he initially thought pollen was to blame for his persistent cough and was prescribed an antibiotic. Yet his cough didn’t resolve, and was accompanied by more classic symptoms of COVID-19: fatigue and a low-grade fever.

Bart said he remained in his car as his nose was swabbed Tuesday at Touro and received the results that day.

Bart said he was grateful that New Orleans-area hospitals were gaining the ability to test quickly for COVID-19 so they could know whether completely quarantining was required or if it was safe to go out when necessary.

State officials have implemented stay-at-home orders meant to slow the spread of COVID-19, though people can go out for reasons that are deemed essential, such as for work or to get food.

“It’s a game changer for anyone who thinks they may have it,” Bart — whose firm has more than 100 attorneys working in four states — said of rapid testing. “I know I am positive so I will quarantine myself and not pass it on to anyone else. The test is more for the benefit of others than for yourself.”