[1]The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Public Health Bureau of Community Preparedness (OPH BCP) is partnering with Louisiana 211 and the Louisiana Association of United Ways to ensure citizens can access the most current information available for COVID-19. As members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Taskforce, LDH, OPH BCP and Louisiana 211 work in coordination with all state efforts for COVID-19.F

Louisiana citizens can dial 211, 24/7 to reach a live 211 specialist to discuss available help and information for COVID-19. Citizens can also text the keyword “LACOVID” to 898-211 to have instant access to the most current information available in our state.

COVID-19 FAQs for Louisiana

As of Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 2:51pm

ABOUT COVID-19

Q: What is coronavirus or COVID-19?

Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a contagious virus that makes people sick.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

The following are the symptoms according to the CDC:

· Fever or chills

· Cough

· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

· Fatigue

· Muscle or body aches

· Headache

· New loss of taste or smell

· Sore throat

· Congestion or runny nose

· Nausea or vomiting

· Diarrhea

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people.

Q: How does COVID-19 spread?:

Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:

Respiratory droplets produced when coughing and sneezing

Close personal contact

Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

People can also become infected if they breathe in the droplets from the person who has COVID-19. This is why it’s important to stay at least 6 feet away from an infected person

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19: The following are the symptoms according to the CDC:

· Fever or chills

· Cough

· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

· Fatigue

· Muscle or body aches

· Headache

· New loss of taste or smell

· Sore throat

· Congestion or runny nose

· Nausea or vomiting

· Diarrhea

Q: What is the incubation period for COVID-19?

The incubation period for COVID-19 is about 5 days. The range is between 4 and 7 days, although it is sometimes quicker and it sometimes may take up to 14 days.

Q: Is COVID-19 fatal?

While people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. and abroad, the majority of people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 do recover.

The virus appears to only be severe if it reaches the lungs and remains untreated. Most healthy people can recover from COVID-19 at home.

Q: What steps should I take to protect myself and my family?

We all have a role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The single most important thing we can all do is stay home when we are sick. Social distancing, washing hands vigorously and often, coughing into the elbow. If you are in public places where it is difficult to ensure a social distancing of at least 6 feet, the CDC recommends wearing a face cloth or mask.

Q: Are younger people at risk for a serious illness?

A CDC study published on March 17th shows that younger people can develop serious COVID-19 illness requiring hospitalization. This finding is different from the first reports from China.

Younger people are still much less likely to die from COVID-19 than older people.

Q: What’s the process for COVID-19 lab result reporting to patients?

Laboratory results, both negative and positive, are reported to the healthcare provider who submitted the specimen for testing.

HURRICANES AND COVID-19

Q: Are there any special precautions to take for these storms and with COVID-19?

Give yourself more time than usual to prepare your emergency food, water and medicine supplies. Take steps to protect your and others’ health when running essential errands: Wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from others, minimize how many trips and how many family members join, and wash or disinfect your hands when you return home .

Q: Is there any federal help/aid (FEMA) available?

Residents of sixteen Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Laura can register for FEMA assistance. This assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property loss and other programs to help people and businesses recover from Hurricane Laura.

People who sustained losses in the parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Vernon, Acadia, Ouachita, Vermilion, Rapides, Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn, Grant, Jackson, and Lincoln can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Q: If I need shelter, is there a phone number or location to go to for help?

Yes. The most up-to-date information about State-supported shelter can be found at: www.LA211Shelterinfo.org

You can also dial 211 directly or text “LASHELTER” to 898-211 for Hurricane Laura Shelter Information.

Q: What if I plan to stay with friends or family?

If you plan to stay with others, talk to them in advance about how you can all best protect yourselves from COVID-19. Consider if either of your households has someone who is at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, including older adults or people of any age who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiac disease.

Follow everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Consider taking extra precautions for people living in close quarters.

If your household includes one or more vulnerable people, all members of the household should behave as if they themselves are at higher risk.

Limit errands. Choose one or two family members who are not at a higher risk to run the essential errands.

Vulnerable members should avoid caring for children and those who are sick.

Separate a household member who is sick.

Know what to do if someone in your family or in the household you are staying with becomes sick with COVID-19, such as creating a sick room or at least distance where possible between the sick person and others. Take steps to keep your pets safe.

Q: What should families of a person with a mental illness do to be prepared?

When dealing with disasters, it is natural to feel anxiety, grief, and worry. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family and your community recover. You can call the special Keep Calm through COVID hotline. This connects you to trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and who can direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services. Call 1-866-310-7977.

Also, the Behavioral Health Recovery Outreach Line connects individuals to real-time support to avoid, prevent or intercept a crisis from occurring. This line offers recovery support 24/7/365 for those with substance use, mental health, mental illness or co-occurring disorders. Call 1-833-333-1132 to speak with a qualified support provider who can connect you to trained specialists and clinicians in multiple languages.

Q: I have a family member with a disability who requires help from a support coordinator. Will this still be available?

If you or your family member is an elderly person or a person with a disability receiving home and community-based supports and services, make sure to talk to your support coordinator to help you prepare for the storm.

Q: Can a resident of a nursing home or a group home join other family members who are evacuating?

Resident of group homes and nursing home should check with the administrators at their facility as there may be certain protocols and precautions that must be followed before they can return. This will include the resident having to be isolated for at least 14 days for observation of any signs and symptoms upon their return. They might also have to be subject to the testing requirements of the home.

Q: Are masks still useful when they cannot be washed (for a week now, possibly longer)?

Any mask is better than no mask. Try to use the disposable masks. Wear a cloth mask for a few days, and then switch to another.

Q: It is very difficult to wear a mask in very hot places, especially with so many people working long hours outdoor in direct sunlight with little access to cooled spaces due to widespread power outages. Any tips?

Obviously stay hydrated. Try and find and set up in shade if possible. Take frequent breaks. When necessary, step away from other people and remove the mask for a break. Put the mask back on before congregating. Get help lifting heavy or bulky objects.

Q: We are under a boil water advisory, so water is scarce. How can someone practice good hand washing while under a boil water advisory?

We realize it is much tougher now but whenever and wherever possible, it is still critical to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by hand sanitizer. It's also important to be extra careful while preparing food if you have trouble accessing water or clean water.

Q: What is a Boil Water Advisory (BWA)?

A boil water advisory or notice is issued by the health department of a water company as a precaution to protect people from drinking water that may have been contaminated. Boil water advisories (BWA) are issued when an unexpected condition has caused a potential for biological contamination of water in a public water system. Common reasons for a BWA include loss of pressure in the distribution system, loss of disinfection, and other unexpected water quality problems. Boil advisories result after water line breaks, treatment disruptions, power outages and floods.

Q: How long do I have to boil water if under a boil water advisory (BWA)?

BWAs typically last for 24 to 48 hours, but this can be longer and the need to boil water may last for several days or more. How long depends on the conditions that caused the need to boil, how quickly the conditions can be corrected, and how long it takes for laboratory results to confirm that your water is again ready to drink.

Q: How do I boil my water so that it is safe to drink?

Bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute, then allow the water to cool before using. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead. Make up a batch of boiled water in advance so you will not be tempted to use it hot and risk scalds or burns. Boiled water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing.

Q: Can I still use water for food prep, drinking, brushing teeth, baby formula?

No, any water used for food preparation or cooking needs to be from an acceptable alternate source or boiled first.

Q: What about showering in water while there is a boil water advisory in place?

Unless a "Do Not Use" notification has been issued, your water may be used by healthy individuals for showering, bathing, shaving, and washing as long as care is taken not to swallow water and avoid shaving nicks.

Q: Can I use ice that is being produced by water under a boil water advisory?

No.

Q: How do I know if I need a tetanus vaccine?

Booster shots are recommended every 10 years. If you experience a puncture wound, it's best to get the booster shot regardless of when you had your last tetanus shot.

Q: Where can I get vaccine records? I have evacuated out-of-state and need to get my child registered for school, and vaccine records are required? Where/how can I get this information?

Anyone can request a Louisiana vaccination records at: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3641

You can also go to this site: http://myir.net

Q: How can I protect myself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?

CO is found in fumes produced by portable generators. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms that include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

To prevent CO poisoning, purchase and install a CO detector. Change the batteries every six months.

Never run a generator, or other any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area; inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open.

Q: Is the Medical Monitoring Station at the New Orleans Convention Center accepting hospital or nursing home patients?

The MMS in New Orleans remains open for patients who are currently being treated in a medical facility. The MMS evaluates new admits during these extreme weather events on a case-by-case basis. The hospital, nursing home or physician must first contact the MMS when seeking to admit a patient. As the MMS is positioned in a low-lying parish, consideration will be given to the most appropriate location and disposition of any potential new admit during a storm activation. For further information, contact Kevin Litten at 504-436-2207.

Q: I am a cancer patient and had to evacuate. How can I continue to get my treatments (such as chemo or radiation)?

The Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana Cancer Prevention have a toll-free line to help displaced patients find cancer care. The toll-free line is 888-599-1073 and is staffed during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The phone line is designed to help connect patients with cancer to their doctors. There is also a medical advisor who can help answer questions from patients.

Q: Where can I find the most up-to-date information about my Medicaid coverage?

From accessing Medicaid services from out-of-state, to financial assistance, to pharmacy services, Medicaid recipients can find the answers at one spot, www.ldh.la.gov/laura . After going to this page, next click on Hurricane Laura Member Assistance FAQs .

Q: If a Medicaid patient evacuates and needs a prescription filled, how can that be done?

In this situation, the request for an early refill can be made at a commercial pharmacy. When getting such a request, the patient needs to have their Medicaid information and provide to the pharmacy. The pharmacists will contact the respective Medicaid plan and request an early refill.

If a Medicaid recipient gets displaced out-of-state and seeks refill at an out-of-state pharmacy, the request will be directed the State Medicaid program.

For patients whose active prescription has lapsed, pharmacists have the authority to issue a 30- day emergency refill authorization.

Q: Can I use my Louisiana Medicaid card to receive medical services in Texas (out of state)? Am I covered beyond prescription services?

Yes, but your Texas provider will need to enroll with Louisiana Medicaid in order to treat you and be reimbursed for your care. Please ensure the provider you choose follows all Louisiana published guidance here: www.ldh.la.gov/laura.

Q: I lost my prescriptions that were recently filled. Can I get refills with my Medicaid Card? (in Louisiana or out of state)

Try to fill all prescriptions in the state of Louisiana. If you filled them last at a chain pharmacy, stop at a different location of the same chain pharmacy and give them your name and date of birth, sometimes they can access the records. It is up to the pharmacist’s professional judgement on whether or not to fill the prescriptions. Your prescriber can call in a prescription at any pharmacy that is open. You can go to a clinic to get new prescriptions if necessary.

Q: My pharmacy is closed. What should I do to get my prescription?

Same answer as above.

Q: Is there any assistance available to access over-the-counter medicines?

There may be assistance through your managed care plan. Please call your health plan to see what they may offer. List below to reference:

Health Plan Contact Aetna Member Services: 1-855-242-0802 AmeriHealth Caritas Perform Rx Member Services: 1-866-452-1040 Healthy Blue Member Pharmacy Services: 1-833-207-3114 Louisiana Healthcare Connections Member Services: 1-866-595-8133 United Healthcare Member Services: 1-866-675-1607

If you are a fee-for-service member, Medicaid only covers antihistamine and antihistamine/decongestants over the counter medications. All other over the counter medications are not payable.

Q. Are there any pharmacies open in Lake Charles or other storm-damaged communities?

Ideal Health Mart 610 N PINE ST DERIDDER

GORDONS DRUG STORE 2716 LAKE ST LAKE CHARLES

CVS Pharmacy #05455 1269 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy Moss Bluff

WALMART 10-0505 1125 NORTH PINE St DERIDDER

WALMART 10-0405 2204 SOUTH 5th ST LEESVILLE

ALBERTSONS #0717 4060 RYAN ST LAKE CHARLES

BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS 1612 S RUTH SULPHUR

WALMART 10-0521 2500 N MARTIN LUTHER KING LAKE CHARLES

WALMART 10-0331 525 N CITIES SERVICE HWY SULPHUR

WALMART 10-1204 3451 NELSON RD LAKE CHARLES

SAV-ON PHARMACY #2798 2750 COUNTRY CLUB RD LAKE CHARLES

CVS Pharmacy #16738 1720 W Prien Lake Rd LAKE CHARLES

WALGREENS #7197 120 N HWY 171 MOSS BLUFF

SAMS PHARMACY 10-8265 2025 SAMS WAY LAKE CHARLES

CVS Pharmacy #00266 2000 RYAN ST LAKE CHARLES

CVS Pharmacy #01099 4828 NELSON RD LAKE CHARLES

WALGREENS 4097 RYAN ST LAKE CHARLES

WALGREENS #10538 2008 S 5TH ST LEESVILLE

CVS Pharmacy #10558 304 S 5th St LEESVILLE

Walmart Pharmacy 10-6590 260 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy Lake Charles

Hobgood Pharmacy 2640 Country Club Rd Ste 150 Lake Charles

Walmart Pharmacy 10-6583 2011 Ryan St Lake Charles

VitalRx of Louisiana 722 N Highway 171 Lake Charles

Pettit's Family Pharmacy 114 Gloria Dr Lake Charles

Q: Are Parish Health Units Open?

Here is the status of Parish Health Unit (PHU) operations by region:

Greater New Orleans area: sites that will be operating currently pending

Baton Rouge area:

East Baton Rouge: immunization, TB meds pickups, TB medical telehealth, Reproductive telehealth, Children Special Health Services Clinics, WIC at Sherwood site

East Feliciana: WIC, Immunizations

Iberville: WIC only

Pointe Coupee: WIC and Immunizations

Houma/Thibodaux area: All sites are operational

Acadiana area: All sites are operational

Greater Lake Charles area: Sites in Jefferson Davis, Allen, and Beauregard parishes are now open but with modified schedules. Contact the individual health unit for details on service availability.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 14, the Calcasieu PHU will have COVID testing from 9-2pm M-F, and will be offering emergency vaccines (Hep B, Hep A, and Tetanus) from 9-2 M-F as well.

Central Louisiana area: The following sites opened Monday, August 31: Rapids, Avoyelles and Concordia. All other sites are without electricity and will remain closed.

Shreveport/Bossier: All sites open except Sabine is closed.

Monroe area: All sites open except Caldwell, Jackson, Lincoln, Union are without power.

Florida Parishes/Northshore: All operational

Clients of a closed PHU that need their RXs filled should call the OPH Pharmacy at 504-568-5022, 504-568-5023, 504-568-6273 and ask to speak to a pharmacist. Arrangement will be made to send the medication depending on the situation.

Q: When/why should I be tested for COVID-19?

You should get a COVID-19 test for the following reasons:

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or feel sick (cough, fever, shortness of breath).

If you think you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

If you were unable to social distance with non-household members, especially if you evacuated before or after Hurricane Laura.

If you evacuated and have spent time in a congregate shelter.

Q: Is COVID-19 testing resuming now that Hurricane Laura has passed?

Yes, community based COVID-19 testing is available at multiple locations around the state. Louisiana Department of Health publishes the current testing sites across the state at www.ldh.la.gov/COVID-19Testing

People seeking a test should pre-register (if possible) at www.doIneedacovid19test.com

TREATMENT

Q: Is there a vaccine or medicine to treat COVID-19?

No. There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for this infection. People infected with COVID-19 receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

Q: Is hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malaria drug, effective in treating COVID-19?

The answer is, we don’t know. There have been some anecdotal reports that the drug may be effective, and others reports that it is not. However, there have not been any tests done by the FDA to see two things:

Is the drug effective at curing COVID-19?

Is the drug safe to give to COVID-19 patients?

Until these tests – known as clinical trials – are completed, most doctors are not prescribing this possible treatment.

Q. Is it safe to take ibuprofen to treat symptoms of COVID-19?

CDC is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID 19.

The World Health Organization, CDC and others continue to monitor the situation and will review new information as it becomes available. For those who wish to use treatment options other than NSAIDs, there are other over-the-counter and prescription medications approved for pain relief and fever reduction. Patients should speak to their healthcare provider for individualized management.

Q: Should I go to the ER? Or, when should I go to the ER?

You should go to the ER if you are seriously ill (difficulty breathing, confusion, dehydrated). If you are sick with typical cold or flu symptoms, call your primary care doctor.

Q: What should I do if I am sick?

Call your doctor immediately if the following:

Think you have been exposed to COVID-19

Are over the age of 60 with symptoms

Have an underlying medical condition like heart, lung, or kidney disease

Develop a fever

Develop symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing

Q. Office of Public Health (OPH) recommends that you stay home and treat your symptoms as you would with the common cold if the following:

If you are under 60 and other otherwise healthy

Have not been in contact with someone who has COVID-19

Have not recently traveled to a country with a high rate of COVID-19

Q. What should I do if I am caring for someone who is sick?

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, are over the age of 60, or have an underlying medical condition like heart, lung, or kidney disease, and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

If you are young, otherwise healthy, and have not been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or recently traveled to a country with a high rate of COVID-19, stay home and treat your symptoms as you would with a common cold.

Q: What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

Isolation and quarantine are both public health practices that are being utilized to limit the spread of COVID-19. While they are often used interchangeably, they have very different meanings.



Isolation is a strategy used to separate people who are sick with a contagious illness from those who are healthy. Isolation restricts the movement of people who are ill to help stop the spread of certain diseases. People in isolation may be cared for in their homes, in hospitals, or in designated healthcare facilities.



Quarantine is used to separate and restrict the movement of people who may have been exposed to a contagious illness, but do not have symptoms to see if they become sick. These individuals may or may not be contagious.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: When can I end self-isolation?

People with COVID-19 symptoms may end self-isolation when:

At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery meaning:

fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications and

improvement in respiratory symptoms cough, shortness of breath) and

at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared .

People with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms may end self-isolation when at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 test and have had no subsequent illness.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

People with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have symptoms may end self-isolation under the following conditions:

fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications and

improvement in respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and

People with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms may discontinue self-isolation when at least 7 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and have had no subsequent illness.

Q: What are the recommendations for a person who has been in close contact with someone with the illness? For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Help the patient follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for care. Help the patient with basic needs in the home and provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions, and other personal needs.

Monitor the patient’s symptoms. If the patient is getting sicker, call his or her healthcare provider and tell them that the patient has laboratory-confirmed COVID-19.

Household members should stay in another room or be separated from the patient as much as possible. Household members should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if available.

Prohibit visitors who do not need to be in the home.

Household members should care for any pets in the home. Do not handle pets or other animals while sick.

Make sure that shared spaces in the home have good airflow, such as by an air conditioner or an opened window.

Perform hand hygiene frequently.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

The patient should wear a facemask when around other people. If the patient is not able to wear a facemask, the caregiver should wear one when in the same room as the patient.

Wear a disposable facemask and gloves when you touch or have contact with the patient’s blood, stool, or body fluids.

Avoid sharing household items with the patient such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items. After the patient uses these items, you should wash them thoroughly.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables, every day.

Wash laundry thoroughly.

Q: Can masks be reused?

Throw out disposable face masks and gloves after using them. Do not reuse. Place all used disposable gloves, facemasks, and other contaminated items in a lined container before disposing of them with other household waste. Clean your hands immediately after handling these items.

TE S TING for COVID - 19

Q. Should I be tested for the virus? Who should be tested?

Only people who are ill with a fever and respiratory symptoms (cough) should be tested.

Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Clinicians use their judgment to determine if a patient should be tested, including if the patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19. Another consideration is the occurrence of local community transmission of COVID-19 infections.

If you have mild symptoms and are worried that you might have COVID-19, call your doctor or local health department instead of going to a clinic or doctor's office without an appointment, to ensure you aren't potentially exposing others to the virus.

If you have severe breathing problems, seek medical attention or call 911 immediately.

LDH is publishing a daily list of testing sites at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus Click Guidance and Resources and see Community Testing Sites (updated Twice Daily.)

Q: How long after exposure should I get tested?

You should wait a few days from when you were exposed. This is because the time between when you are exposed and when your test would be positive can vary from 4-14 days. Therefore, even though someone may have the virus, the test would not be positive until possibly day 4 or longer. If you have been in close contact of someone who is positive, consult with your doctor to see if they think you need to be tested and when.

Q. Where can I go to get tested?

Tests sites are being set up throughout the state at the local level. People wishing to be tested can find a testing site on the Department of Health’s website at: http://ldh.la.gov/COVID-19Testing. This site is updated often, whenever new sites are opened.

The website has a mapping feature to help users find the nearest testing site. Just enter your zip code in the search tool (found left of the top of the map). Information includes hours of operation, address, phone number and other requirements.

Each testing facility has their own criteria for testing. Many sites require a medical provider submit a written referral to the testing site, while others do not have such a requirement. It is important that you contact the test site location or your healthcare provider for instructions before traveling to the test site.

All testing is being done by clinical providers, clinics and in hospitals. If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should contact your primary care physician for guidance.

Q: Will testing be expanded in Louisiana?

LDH is preparing to test more broadly as the federal government expands its testing guidelines. Throughout June, mobile testing locations are being scheduled in most regions of the state. Check your local media for locations, times and requirements. Or, check the LDH website here: http://ldh.la.gov/COVID-19Testing

Q: Earlier this year I was extremely ill. My doctor tested me for the coronavirus and the test result was negative. I recovered, but I believe I had the virus. How can I know if I had COVID-19?

It is possible for a COVID-19 test to give a negative result in some people with the virus. This means that you could possibly have had COVID-19 even though the test was negative. For this reason, healthcare providers treat a person’s symptoms regardless of the test result.

An antibody test would indicate whether you had COVID-19 or not. We recommend that you talk to your healthcare provider about such a test and any other recommended next steps.

Q: How are nasal COVID-19 tests conducted? How accurate are they?

At most testing sites, samples are taken from the nasal cavity using a swab from the inside of your nose. When getting tested, the person conducting the test will insert a long stick/swap up your nose and twirl it around to collect secretions on the swab. You may be asked to do the nose swab yourself. The swab must be inserted pretty far back in the nose to get the sample.

No medical test is 100% accurate for many reasons, including error and timing of the test. Because it is possible to get a negative result even when you have coronavirus, it is important to be careful even when you receive a negative result. So, if you have symptoms – even if you get a negative test result – it is advisable to stay at home until you have been symptom-free for at least 72 hours.

Q: I hear there is an app that will help me know if I need to be tested?

Yes, there is an app and a website that has been developed by the CDC and Apple. These tools guide people through a series of questions about their health and exposure to determine if they should seek care for COVID-19 symptoms. The tool provides CDC recommendations on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, recommendations on testing, and when to contact a medical provider. The free app can be downloaded from Apple's App Store or on Google Play or access the tool online at www.apple.com/covid19.

Q: What if I don’t have a doctor or have insurance?

If you do not have a doctor or if you do not have insurance, contact your nearest community health clinic.

You can search for a clinic near you at: www.lpca.net/main/for-patients/find-a-health-center. Please use the search tool to find a clinic near you using your zip code. (Do not call the LPCA office main line to locate a clinic. Call 211 if you need assistance.)

Q: Who can be tested for COVID-19?

The Louisiana Department of Health recommends COVID-19 testing for any patient with fever and respiratory symptoms.

Healthcare providers have been advised that testing is recommended for any patient with fever and respiratory symptoms.

Q: What do I do if I don’t have an established doctor or can’t get an appointment?

If you do not have a doctor or if you do not have insurance, contact your nearest community clinic.

This website lists all of these clinics/health centers: www.lpca.net/main/for-patients/find-a-health-center Please use the search tool to find a clinic near you using your zip code. (Please do not call the LPCA office main line to locate a clinic.

Call 211 if you need assistance.)

Q: I have symptoms. What should I do if I am not established with a doctor and no one I call appears to be taking new patients at this time?

If you do not yet have a primary care provider, you can call your local federally-qualified health center to make an appointment: You can find your nearest community health center using the search tool here: https://www.lpca.net/main/for-patients/find-a-health-center

Please use the search tool to find a clinic near you using your zip code. (Please do not call the LPCA office main line to locate a clinic. Call 211 if you need assistance.)

If no community health centers are performing COVID-19 testing in your area, you can call your local emergency department to request testing. Please remember to call first before visiting your health care providers for COVID-19 symptoms.

LDH is publishing a daily list of testing sites at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus . Click Guidance and Resources and see Community Testing Sites (updated Twice Daily.)

Q: I have symptoms and I do not have insurance or money to go to a doctor... Where do I seek medical care?

Federally-qualified health centers provide primary care, oral health, and mental health services on a sliding scale basis. Several of these community health centers are performing testing for COVID-19. You can find your nearest community health center using the search tool here: https://www.lpca.net/main/for-patients/find-a-health-center

Please use the search tool to find a clinic near you using your zip code. (Please do not call the LPCA office main line to locate a clinic. Call 211 if you need assistance.)

Please remember to call first before visiting your health care providers for COVID-19 symptoms.

Q: How long should I stay home if I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 but do not qualify for testing?

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should call your healthcare provider for guidance. The same is true if you have no symptoms but are exposed to a known contact.

Q: Are positive results from antibody tests reported to the State and counted as new cases (as far as the numbers go on the public reporting site?

No. We LDH is currently not including positive antibody tests into case counts. This is because the diagnostic tests are better defined and more reliable. At the appropriate time, we will incorporate antibody test results into our cases counts.

Q. If someone has multiple tests – some are positive and some negative – are all those tests being counted as positive cases or are they looking at the names for duplicates?

Case counts reported on the LDH website represent individual persons with positive results for COVID-19, not numbers of positive test results received. Multiple results are often reported for an individual (positive, negative, or otherwise) due to repeat testing, but a single positive test for each individual is used for case counting.

LDH uses an extensive de-duplication process involving automated and manual review to account for non-exact person matches due to data entry errors, incomplete data, and other issues in the lab data reported to LDH.

Despite our best efforts, there may still be a small number of duplicate records in our dataset, and these will be resolved as they are detected, which may lead to changes in case counts. The actual number of cases is likely higher than reported here due to test reporting lags, incomplete testing, and undetected cases among asymptomatic individuals.

Q: If I need to get tested for COVID-19, how much will it cost?

The federal government has announced that all testing is free, including for the uninsured.

Q: The federal government has announced that all testing is free. Does this include the uninsured?

In Louisiana, no commercial insurance company can charge a patient an out of pocket fee for COVID testing. Medicaid and Medicare cover all of the costs of COVID testing. The federal government has made provisions for uninsured patients to receive free COVID testing; however, you should contact the testing site before you arrive to ensure they do not require a physician order for testing or that you are an existing patient of that healthcare facility's provider network.

Testing is free at all federally qualified health centers (community clinics). You can search for a clinic near you at: www.lpca.net/main/for-patients/find-a-health-center. Please use the search tool to find a clinic near you using your zip code. You must contact the clinic first to get information about their testing procedures and requirements.

Q: What should I do if I have come in contact with someone who has tested positive?

You should self-isolate and limit your contact with other people. And, you should contact your primary care physician for guidance. If you develop a fever and a cough, you should contact your doctor.

Q. Does pre-existing respiratory illness qualify you for asymptomatic testing?

No. Currently, there is no testing for people not experiencing symptoms.

Q: How long before I get the results of my test?

With the number of places providing COVID-19 tests increasing each week, people are having to wait longer for their results. Currently, some commercial labs that process the tests can take up to two weeks to report those results back to the patient.

The Department of Health does not get any test results, and we recommend that patients who get tested ask staff at the testing site when to expect results, and where to call to get those results. We recommend everyone, when they are getting tested, to ask for a phone number to call if they haven’t received their results within the timeframe that was given.

Q: I have read that people are having trouble getting their test results. Is there anything I can do to make sure that I know how to get my results?

Yes. When getting tested, be sure to ask someone at the test site to tell you when to expect your results, and where to call – be sure to get a phone number – if you haven’t received your results within the timeframe you were given.

Q: I was tested recently and still haven’t gotten my results. How can I get my results?

Thank you for calling 211. We are aware that it is taking up to two weeks for people to be notified of their results. We urge you to be patient. Test results will be provided by the lab to the provider who ordered the test or are available on the lab’s online portal depending on the site where you were tested.

Q: What should I do while I wait for my test results? Can I go out in public and/or return to work?

The Department of Health strongly urges you to self-quarantine while you wait for your test result. Testing does not replace quarantining. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should self-quarantine at your home and away from others, including your family if possible, for 14 days since the date of exposure.

Even if your test comes back negative prior to the end of the quarantine period, you still need to remain quarantined for the full 14 days. This is because the incubation period for the virus can be up to 14 days and unless you were tested on the 14th day from your exposure, a negative test earlier in the quarantine period does not mean you are not infected.

Q. Are individuals tracked to see how many tests they've had and what tests were done and reported as one? And, if an individual is retested, or when they are required to have two tests in order to return to work, are each of their tests being counted as a new case in the numbers?

All positive cases are de-duplicated and represent one individual regardless of how many positive tests they received.

Q: My tests were done by a Quest Diagnostics lab. What’s the process getting my results from Quest?

Laboratory results for a Quest Diagnostics lab will be sent to you through the secure MyQuest online portal or app. Sign up at www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com or download the app on the Apple App Store of Google Play.

If you were tested at the Alario Center in Westwego, Wal-Mart in LaPlace and Wal-Mart in Shreveport, you can use the Quest Diagnostics portal for your results.

Q: Can I get a test from Quest Labs without a doctor’s order?

Many testing sites that are using Quest Diagnostics as their lab partner. Tests are available to people who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and all health care providers and first responders.

Check the site that you are interested in using in advance to learn of that site’s hours and registration requirements. A list of testing sites is posted online at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. Click Guidance and Resources and see Community Testing Sites.

Sites using Quest require an appointment through Quest’s MyQuestTM online portal and app, www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com, which will screen and schedule appointments for those individuals that meet medical eligibility for the testing sites.

If you have difficulty scheduling your appointment, please call Quest’s dedicated COVID-19 line at 866-448-7719, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM

Q: My tests were done by LabCorp. What’s the process of getting my results?

Results for tests conducted by LabCorp can be accessed through their online portal at www.labcorp.com/results or their mobile app. Download the LabCorp Mobile App on the Apple App Store of Google Play.

LabCorp processed the tests conducted at UNO and at Armstrong Park.

Q: How can I get tested for COVID-19 at the new sites at the Walmart in LaPlace and Walmart in Shreveport?

Testing sites at a Walmart in Shreveport and one a Walmart in LaPlace are using Quest Diagnostics as their lab partner. Tests are available to people who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and all health care providers and first responders.

The sites are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. The testing site will require an appointment through Quest’s MyQuestTM online portal and app, www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com, which will screen and schedule appointments for those individuals that meet medical eligibility for the testing sites.

If you have difficulty scheduling your appointment, please call Quest’s dedicated COVID-19 line at 866-448-7719, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM

Walmart Locations:

Shreveport: 1125 Shreveport Barksdale Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71105

LaPlace: 1616 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA 70068

Q: I have a disability and can’t leave my home. How do I get tested?

The Department of Health has an online link to testing sites at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. Click on the testing site tab to find a nearby location.

If you have Medicaid, your managed care organization can arrange transportation to a test site. If you do not have Medicaid, check with your primary care provider for an order for a home health agency to come out and take the swab for testing.

Q: Will the recently announced 5-minute quick test for COVID-19 be available in Louisiana?

The 15-minute test instrument is a faster test for detecting the virus. It is being manufactured now, but the demand will likely far outpace the supply. The State and provider laboratories will be working to assess this and other new testing methods and will obtain faster technology as they are able. Check with your healthcare provider and/or the testing site that you visit.

Q: Hasn’t a new at-home test been developed so people can see if they have ever been exposed to the coronavirus?

The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has approved the first coronavirus test that lets people collect a sample at home. This test marks the first time the agency has cleared an at-home Covid-19 test that will allow for at-home sample collection.

Developed by LabCorp, the test will initially be made available to health care workers and first responders who might have been exposed to the virus.

Q: I did not test positive for COVID-19 but I am interested in taking an antibody test to confirm if I have developed an immunity. Is this possible?

Check with your healthcare provider. If you can find a provider doing the antibody test, then yes, it might be possible to get such a test.

Details: CDC has developed a laboratory blood test to assist with efforts to determine how much of the U.S. population has been infected with COVID-19. However, antibody test results should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose someone with an active the COVID-19 infection. It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks after someone becomes infected for their body to make antibodies; some people may take longer to develop antibodies. Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with an active infection.

Q: Upon recovery from COVID-19, am I immune?

At this time, there are still some unknowns. For other viruses, people have developed immunities after being exposed to the virus.

However, Since COVID-19 is a new coronavirus, we do not know if the antibodies that result from a COVID-19 illness will provide someone with immunity from a future infection. If antibodies do provide immunity, we don’t know what titer or amount of antibodies would be protective or the duration that protection would last. CDC scientists are conducting studies to better understand the level of antibodies needed for protection, the duration of that protection, and the factors associated with whether a person develops a protective antibody response.

Q: I would like for my clinic to offer COVID-19 testing to the public. What do I need to do?

There are no state requirements for clinics that want to provide COVID-19 testing to the public. Clinics are responsible for ordering their testing supplies, contracting with a laboratory to analyze the results, developing the necessary processes and training to implement a testing program, communicating with the public about the site and its hours of operation, and providing the results to those who were tested.

Q: I am interested in hosting a mobile test site at my office/facility/clinic/location. What do I need to do?

The Louisiana Office of Public Health, the Louisiana National Guard and local governments have been working together to set up mobile test sites. The goal is to make it as easy and convenient as possible for residents to get a test. For information about the need for, and to offer to host a site in your region, contact your OPH Regional Medical Director at: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/directory/category/13

Q: Is it legal for a business/organization to ask a customer to prove they do not have COVID-19 in order to be served?

The Louisiana Department of Health is not aware of such a requirement for customers of a business. Because LDH advises that not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19, most people would be unable to prove they do not have the virus. Instead, advice from the health department is people do not need a test if they do not have symptoms or if they have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Individuals should consult with their physician about the need for a test.

Q: I was tested at one of the HHS surge sites. I do not have an email address and I don’t know how to access the online system for getting results. What can I do?

The lab that is processing the test, eTrueNorth, has a phone number for people to call who need help logging onto their web portal. You can call 800-635-8611 for help logging on. Note, due to the high volume of calls, there is a wait time, AND you must still use the web portal to get your results.

Q: How long should a person stay isolated if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test? If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test, you should stay isolated until the following criteria are met:

fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours, and

improvement in other symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and

at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

If you have a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 “close contact,” you should quarantine for 14 days from the day of exposure and monitor for symptoms. You must isolate for the full 14-days. Getting a COVID-19 test will not interrupt this quarantine period as it takes between 4 to 10 days for the virus to take hold in the body.

The only way a close contact does not have to quarantine is if they actually had COVID-19 (with a positive test) within the last 90 days.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

SYMPTOMS

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

The following are the symptoms according to the CDC:

· Fever or chills

· Cough

· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

· Fatigue

· Muscle or body aches

· Headache

· New loss of taste or smell

· Sore throat

· Congestion or runny nose

· Nausea or vomiting

· Diarrhea

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: How does COVID-19 compare to influenza in terms of symptoms, mortality rate, number of cases, etc.?

Based on what is known, COVID -19 is at least as severe, if not more serious than flu. Much is unknown about COVID-19 about how easily it spreads, who most is at risk.

From preliminary studies, people who are most at-risk for a serious illness from COVID-19 are: People over age 60 who also have underlying medical conditions.

Q: Can you contract both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?

It is possible to have both the coronavirus and the flu at the same time.

Q: Is vomiting a symptom of COVID-19?

A new study reports that some people who get the coronavirus will, in very rare instances, experience digestive symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. However, the primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Q: Is the loss of the ability to smell or pink eye symptoms of COVID-19?

The novel coronavirus and COVID-19 are new, and we are still learning about the virus . For these symptoms and others, always contact your primary care physician for guidance.

Q: What should I do if I have lost my sense of smell and taste?

For this and all other medical conditions, the Louisiana Department of Health recommends that you seek advice from your primary care physician.

Q: How long should a person stay isolated if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test? If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test, you should stay isolated until the following criteria are met:

fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours, and

improvement in other symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and

at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

If you have a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 “close contact,” you should quarantine for 14 days from the day of exposure and monitor for symptoms. You must isolate for the full 14-days. Getting a COVID-19 test will not interrupt this quarantine period as it takes between 4 to 10 days for the virus to take hold in the body.

The only way a close contact does not have to quarantine is if they actually had COVID-19 (with a positive test) within the last 90 days.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

PREVENTION

Q: Do I need to wear a mask when I leave the house?

As CDC studies the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is now known that a significant portion of people with coronavirus lack symptoms and can spread the virus to others. Wearing a mask significantly reduces spread of the disease from an infected person to others. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public. As of July 13, Governor Edwards mandated the use of masks or other face coverings statewide for all people age 8 and older. Masks are strongly recommended for children ages 2 to 7.

Q: Is the Department of Health providing exemptions - a form or letter - to people who do not want to use a mask when going to the doctor’s office or other places that require a face covering?

No, there is no such form or letter from the Louisiana Department of Health. LDH encourages all people to follow the masking and social distancing requirements put in place by any place of business, including medical facilities.

Q: Do masks with valves offer the same protection as standard, cloth face coverings?

Actually, no. Valved masks prevent things from coming in, but don’t prevent things going out. Since we are trying to block spread of water droplets out, masks with valves do not provide this protection.

Q. Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

No. There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for this infection. People infected with COVID-19 receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

Q: When is someone considered to have recovered?

A person is considered recovered when it has been:

at least seven days after the onset of illness, and

at least three after resolution of fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications), and

Resolution or improvement in respiratory symptoms.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: Is eating takeout or home-delivered food safe?

Yes. The USDA, CDC and FDA all say that there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food, transmission from containers is unlikely. But, it’s a good idea to throw out the food containers to be sure, and wash your hands

Set the food containers on a clean countertop. Then, wash your hands. Next, get some containers of your own — dishes if you’re eating it now or Tupperware if you’re going to store it for a few days — and transfer the food with clean utensils.

Q: What if someone at my work, school, church has illness symptoms like fever or cough?

Contacts should monitor their health. They should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Testing is recommended, but will be based on availability.

Q: What if someone at my work, school, church has been exposed to someone with COVID-19?

Exposed persons should self-isolate at home. Contacts should monitor their health. They should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Testing is recommended, but will be based on availability.

Q: What if someone at my work, school, church has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

Exposed persons should self-isolate at home. Contacts should monitor their health. They should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Testing is recommended, but will be based on availability.

Q: Do I need to notify someone if someone I know at work, church, school has signs of illness, is suspected of having COVID-19, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

No, healthcare providers and laboratories have the responsibility to report to Public Health

Q: Will the State be contacting every COVID-19 suspected or confirmed case?

The State has started a contact tracing program where trained interviewers talk to people by phone who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. These public health workers ask questions to determine who else they may have recently been in contact with. They then contact those people who may have been exposed, and encourage them to quarantine themselves for 14 days to prevent spreading the disease any further.

Contacts are only informed they may have been exposed to the virus. They are not told the identity of the person who may have exposed them. This is done in the interest of personal privacy.

Q. How can I help protect myself and/or my family?

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

There are simple everyday precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Actions to help protect you and your family include:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.



The best preparation families can do is practice good seasonal flu/cold hygiene: cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot!

Q: What is the best way to use a cloth mask?

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores, garden stores, pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Cloth masks should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth face covering.

To safely remove a used cloth face covering, people should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands immediately after removing.

Q: What is social distancing and how does it work?

Social distancing is a public health practice that aims to prevent sick people from coming into close contact with healthy people in order to reduce opportunities for disease transmission.

Recommended distancing is 6 feet.

Social distancing slows the outbreak to reduce the chance of infection among high-risk populations and to reduce the burden on our health care system and workers.

If we do this right, we can reduce the number of people with disease and reduce the number of people needing hospitalization and ventilators at any one time.

Q: What is social distancing (safe zone)?

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:

Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people

Do not gather in groups of more than 10

Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

Q. Is there special guidance for people who are deaf or blind?

If you are not feeling well, stay home. Do not put yourself or support service providers at risk.

Touch support service provider only on shoulder or elbow for guiding techniques. Avoid touching support service provider hands or face aside from communicating.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Wash hands immediately after communication interaction.

Let your support service provider know if you need to sneeze/cough so they can put distance between you.

Carry and use hand sanitizer in between as needed.

Allow your support service provider to sit/stand on your side of you as much as is comfortable instead of face to face to limit contact of skin and/or bodily fluids.

Attempt to stand as far apart from your support service provider as is comfortable

Important: Patients who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek emergency care immediately. Use Video Relay Services, or ask family/friends to contact them for you. If necessary, contact the Interpreting/SSP office for assistance.

Q: Are we most concerned about older, high risk people, not young, healthy folks?

While those who are older and those who have underlying chronic medical conditions – meaning lung disease, heart disease and diabetes – are at the greatest risk, everyone, including people who are young and healthy, can be exposed to and spread COVID-19 to others.

Q. Should I cancel my travel plans?

If you have a trip planned, check the CDC’s site for a risk assessment of your destination.

If you travel, take the same precautions you would while home to avoid getting sick or spreading germs including washing your hands thoroughly and often and avoiding contact with sick people.

Q: Is it OK to use laundry facilities?

Yes. Just be sure to take basic precautions including:

Don’t enter a laundry if there are more than 10 other customers.

Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces such as folding tables, chairs and the handles on the machines

Q: Is standard laundry detergent enough to disinfect clothing and prevent spread of the virus?

Yes. You can launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items. Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard the gloves after each use.

Q: I see people in my neighborhood out running, riding bikes and walking their dogs. Is that OK?

Yes, that's OK. Just be sure to maintain distance from other people. The CDC recommends a distance of about 6 feet. Even in communities where residents are being asked to stay home and "shelter in place," it's still fine to go for a run, hike or do other outdoor activities, as long as proper social distancing is observed. Wear a mask if you will be within 6 feet of others.

Q: Coronavirus is noted on Lysol bottles. Why is COVID-19 categorized as new if listed on old Lysol bottles? Should the public expect any new commercially available disinfectant products to address COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses, and they are not new.

There were six existing strains of coronavirus before 2019, some of which cause the common cold. The latest strain, however, is nCoV-2019 (COVID-19) which originated in 2019.

Lysol bottles are not referencing the latest COVID-19, but instead the coronaviruses that cause the common cold. There is no reason to believe, though, that Lysol is not effective for COVID-19, so please use it!

Q: How can someone report about crowds gathering / folks not obeying by the public gathering laws put out by the governor?

You don’t need to report others. Be sure to take your own precautions by washing your hands, covering your cough and limiting your exposure by avoiding crowds and gatherings of more than 50 people.

Q: For a halfway house, what precautions should be taken for/by new residents?

New and current residents should follow the Governor’s stay at home order which directs people to avoid going out in public unless it is absolutely necessary, such as getting groceries, food and medications.

Residents are encouraged to go outside and to stay active during this time, as long as they practice social distancing (at least 6 feet of physical space from other people) when they are around their neighbors and practice good hygiene by washing hands often and well with soap and water.

If a new resident has symptoms, they should not interact with other residents for 14 days and until they are symptom-free. Create a place in the home where that person can be isolated from others.

Q: What precautions should be taken to admit new residents to group homes?

Watch for symptoms. For confirmed infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms (similar to the common cold) to people being severely ill or dying. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

If a new resident has symptoms, they should not interact with other residents for 14 days and until they are symptom-free. Create a place in the home where that person can be isolated from others.

If a resident falls ill, make sure they contact their doctor immediately.

Q: Should I wear gloves to protect myself from the coronavirus? Do they offer any added protection?

Although gloves do create a barrier between the virus and your hands, they are not recommended for general, everyday use. There are several reasons why gloves might make you less safe.

Wearing gloves might cause you to practice worse hand hygiene because you keep wearing the now-dirty gloves instead of washing your hands.

You are just as likely to touch your face with or without a glove.

Since most phones cannot be controlled with gloved fingers, you are likely to take the gloves off and on to use your phone. Doing this will then contaminate your hands when you remove the glove.

Q: Why, then, are gloves used in healthcare settings?

Remember, gloves are a barrier between your hands and the virus. When healthcare workers use them, gloves are disposed of immediately after each use. Healthcare workers are taught how to remove gloves safely, dispose of them and wash their hands afterward.

The most important precaution taken by healthcare workers, and the practice we all should follow, is to practice good hand hygiene.

TRANSMISSION

Q. How does COVID-19 spread?

Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads.

Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:

Respiratory droplets produced when coughing and sneezing

Close personal contact

Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

Q: Are people required to wear masks or face coverings?

Yes. As of July 13, Governor Edwards mandated the use of masks or other face coverings statewide for all people age 8 and older. Masks are strongly recommended for children ages 2 to 7. There is an exemption for any parish that has fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 residents (currently Grant, Red River and West Feliciana parishes). There are also exemptions for anyone who:

· has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering,

· is consuming a drink or food,

· is trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired,

· is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience,

· is temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes.

As CDC studies the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is now known that a significant portion of people with coronavirus lack symptoms and can spread the virus to others.

In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures - remaining at least six feet apart - are difficult to maintain - such as grocery stores and pharmacies - especially in areas where there is significant community transmission.

Q: Are there any exemptions for medical conditions to the order to wear a mask when in public?

The directive by Gov. Edwards to wear a mask allows an exemption for those who have a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering. The order does not list specific medical conditions. However, there are no known medical conditions aside from a severe skin condition (such as very burn that requires treatment) that that would prevent a person from wearing a cloth face covering.

Also, if a person has a medical condition they believe prevents them from wearing a mask, that condition might also make them more susceptible to the serious consequences of COVID-19. They should therefore be very careful when going into public spaces.

As with prohibitions against smoking and proper attire requirements, employers and businesses can require the use of masks by their employees and their customers.

Q: What are the rules about wearing masks?

The governor's proclamation requires all citizens to wear a face covering, both indoors and out, but there are exceptions that allow citizens to not have to legally wear a face covering. Those exceptions include when an individual is able to maintain 6-foot distancing from others, when the individual has a medical condition that makes it difficult for them to wear a face covering, if the individual is a child younger than 8, if the individual is consuming food or drink, if the individual is communicating with someone who is hearing impaired, if the individual is providing identification, or if the individual is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience.

Q: Do I have to wear a mask when exercising?

If you are able to maintain 6-foot of distance from others, you are not legally required to wear the face covering while engaged in exercising. You are required to wear face coverings around your fitness center prior to choosing a piece of equipment to exercise with.

Q: Are face shields an acceptable alternative for a face mask?

No, they are not. The lower part of the face shield is completely open and allows the free flow of the water droplets that carry COVID-19. CDC does not recommend them as an acceptable substitute to a face mask which covers the mouth and nose.

Q: If a person tested positive for COVID-19 can they be re-infected?

There is evidence to suggest that some people have contracted the virus a second time. This means that all people – even those who have already had the illness – should remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions.

Q: Can pets get COVID-19?

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is not considered a threat to dogs and cats, and pets do not play a role in transmission of the virus to people.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. It is rare for an animal to infect people and then spread between people such as with recent outbreaks of MERS and SARS.

Q: Do mosquitoes carry CORVID-19/Can the virus be transmitted through mosquitoes?

No. COVID-19 is not transmitted by mosquitoes.

Q. How long can the virus stay on leather/cloth surfaces?

Studies suggest that coronavirus can survive on metal for up to five days on glass for four to five days, and plastic for up to nine days, according to a recent study by the Journal of Hospital Infection. The same studies show coronavirus can survive up to 24 hours on cardboard.

It is not clear yet, but the virus may have a shorter lifespan on fabrics than on hard surfaces.

Q: Is it safe to receive a package from an area where COVID-19 has been reported?

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.

Q: How long can the virus live on food from restaurants?

The coronavirus can be spread in a public restaurant as it can be spread in any public space. If you’re about to eat, wash your hands. Wash your hands after using the restroom. If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of your table, ask the server to wipe it down for you.

Remember that COVID-19 is spread from person to person. If there is an infected person in that space then both person-to-person transmission can occur as well as transmission from a contaminated surface if someone touches it and then touches their face.

Q: I am concerned because I’ve heard that workers at restaurants, food distribution sites and food processing plants have tested positive for COVID-19. Are the customers of these businesses at risk for getting the virus?

The short answer is no. Experts say the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person. This can occur when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and droplets with the virus fly into the air from their nose or mouth. Anyone who is within 6 feet of that person can breathe those droplets into their lungs.

Another, but less common, way to catch the virus is when you touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on. You may touch a countertop or doorknob that's contaminated and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus can live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for 2 to 3 days.

For this reason, we encourage people to clean and disinfect all counters, knobs, and other surfaces you and your family touch several times a day, and to wash your hands anytime you touch a surface or after picking up packages/meals from a site like a restaurant or distribution site.

Q: Should I wipe down things purchased from stores? How long can the virus live on hard surfaces?

Studies suggest that coronavirus can survive on metal for up to five days on glass for four to five days, and plastic for up to nine days, according to a recent study by the Journal of Hospital Infection. The same studies show coronavirus can survive up to 24 hours on cardboard.

It is not clear yet, but the virus may have a shorter lifespan on fabrics than on hard surfaces.

Q: What are the best items to use to clean surfaces and protect from COVID-19?

COVID-19 does not require any unique cleaning chemicals to disinfect surfaces. Soap and water works, and you can use an alcohol-based wipe. Baby wipes may not be effective.

Q: Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?

There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.

The Louisiana Department of Health has posted additional guidance about funerals and the proper handling of decedents who have had COVID-19 at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. Just click on Guidance & Resources.

Q: Where can I get information concerning the safety of the senior living apartment where I live. One of the managers is sick and has tested positive for COVID-19.

All residential care facilities (nursing homes and assisted living facilities) follow strict guidance for the isolation of residents with COVID-19, staffing and testing requirements and reporting requirements. Apartments, including those that serve seniors, are not required to follow the same requirements.

Those who live in apartments should take the necessary personal precautions to protect themselves including staying at home as much as possible, practicing good hygiene, keep at least 6 feet apart from others and wear a mask when leaving your apartment. If you feel sick, you should contact your healthcare provider.

H EALTH EFFECTS / COMPLICATIONS

Q. What are severe complications from this virus?

Severe complications include pneumonia in both lungs.

Q. Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?

Those who are most at risk are people over age 60 AND who have severe chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, kidney disease or diabetes.

Other people who are not age 60, but who have these same medical conditions also face a higher risk than the general population.

Q. What about women who are pregnant?

There is limited data on the effect of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers and their infants. Overall, there does not appear to be an increased risk of severe disease for pregnant women. However, because pregnant women are immunocompromised, they should be considered in the at-risk population.

Social distancing should be practiced. This means visitors will need to be limited during labor and delivery. We are encouraging hospitals to prepare patients for this ahead of admission.

Q. What is the risk to children?

Although infections in children have been reported, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19 or at greater risk of a serious illness. However, COVID-19has been associated with multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). This is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs. The cause of MIS-C is unknown but many children with this condition had the virus that causes COVID-19 or had been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Q: Are people diagnosed with HIV+ also at higher risk for contracting COVID-19?

People with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients and people with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk from the coronavirus.

Q. What precautions are nursing homes and assisted living facilities taking?

Nursing homes, assisted living centers and other similar healthcare facilities have the authority to restrict entry to people, including family members and friends of residents, during this health crisis.

People are advised to contact individual facilities for restrictions and recommendations that have been put in place at that location.

Q: How can a loved one be removed from a nursing home?

Talk to the administrator and Director of Nursing at the facility where your loved one lives.

Q: Does the state’s restricted visitors policy mean no visitors can enter a health care facility?

No. Health care facilities can allow visitors at their discretion, in consultation with families and responsible parties. This order also doesn’t apply to situations involving end-of-life care. However, no one who meets the definition of a “restricted person” can be allowed in a healthcare facility.

Workforce Related Questions

Q: How do I apply for a contact tracing job?

Contact tracers must have graduated high school, feel comfortable having a telephone conversation with someone and also entering data. They must be compassionate, able to protect and honor patient privacy, and complete a very detailed training session. To apply, email ContactTracing@La.gov.

Q: Do I need to wear a mask for work?

Employers are establishing guidance that is consistent with CDC recommendations and appropriate for their workplaces. Make sure you are aware of your employer’s requirements and follow them.

All employees of a business who have contact with the public must wear a mask.

Q: When can someone who had COVID-19 symptoms return to work?

This person can return to work when at least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery meaning:

fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications and

improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) and

at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: When can a person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who had been caring for themselves at home return?

This person can return to work under the following conditions:

fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications and

improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) and

negative COVID test results from at least two consecutive nose swab specimens collected ≥24 hours apart (total of two negative specimens).

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: When can a person who had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 but did not have any symptoms return to work?

This person can return to work when at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and have had no subsequent illness.

Q. If a person has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 what should they do and when can they return to work?

Any person who has been exposed but who does not have symptoms should self-quarantine for 14 days. That person should also wait at least seven days before seeking a test. This is because its takes that much time between exposure and when a test result is positive. Taking a test too early will not show if you are positive for the virus.

The person who has initial negative test should wait 14 days before returning to work to make sure they do not develop a COVID-19 infection.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: Louisiana is allowing businesses to reopen, is there any guidance to help do so safely?

Yes, the State Fire Marshall has developed the Open Safely website. On this site, you can find guidance for the following businesses/activities: Outdoor Sports, General Businesses, Fitness Center/Health Clubs, Libraries, Movie Theaters, Museums/Zoos/Aquariums, Places of Worship, Restaurants and Salons/Barber Shops.

Also, CDC has developed a comprehensive list of questions and answers, guidance and support for businesses as they begin to plan how to safely reopen. See this website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/general-business-faq.html On the page is information about:

How to Address and Reduce COVID-19 in the Workplace

Maintaining Healthy Business Operations

Cleaning and Disinfection in the Workplace

Critical Infrastructure

Q: How should employees communicate with other employees that they may have been exposed because of another employee without violating HIPPA?

Any person can self-report their own health status. However, people should refrain from discussing the health status of others. Medical professionals cannot discuss another person’s health status without being in violation of privacy laws.

Q: How long should an employer tell an employee to stay isolated if other employees in the workplace have COVID-19 symptoms?

There are different rules/laws for private and public employers. In state government, an employee may be placed on sick leave and be required to stay home if he/she has symptoms associated with COVID-19. In the private sector, the employee should follow the directive of their employer.

Q: What do I do if my employer demands I get tested for COVID-19 if I was sick?

There are different rules/laws for private and public employers. In state government, an employee may be placed on sick leave and be required to stay home if he/she is ill for any reason. In the private sector, the employee should follow the directive of their employer.

Q: What is the guidance for restaurant employees?

Restaurants must follow these directives: Employees who are sick with a fever or respiratory symptoms should not go to work at the restaurant.

For all other employees:

Wash hands frequently.

Do not touch customers’ hands when passing food or drinks.

Use gloves for contact with money or credit cards. Gloves must be replaced between each customer interaction. If gloves are not available, then hand sanitizer between each customer interaction is acceptable.

Clean all frequently touched items, including keypads/touch screens at least hourly.

Wear gloves to handle money when clearing the register/cash drawer.

Q: What is the guidance for medical employees that have been exposed to COVID-19?

If this employee is critical to the medical care, response to COVID-19, or assistance with daily living, they can continue to work but they need to wear a mask at work, and monitor their health with 2x daily temperature checks. If they feel ill (fever >100.4 and/or respiratory symptoms), they need to immediately leave work and self-isolate. They need to call their healthcare provider to possibly be tested.

If this person is not part of the direct response to COVID-19, then they should go home, self-isolate, and monitor their symptoms, and call their healthcare provider to possibly be tested.

Q: What is the guidance for employees with suspect or confirmed COVID-19?

Please use the following updated symptom-based strategy to return to normal activity following a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19:

Continue isolation until:

At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and ,

At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: Can funeral services be held for someone who died of COVID-19?

A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of COVID-19.

The Louisiana Department of Health has posted additional guidance about funerals and the proper handling of decedents who have had COVID-19 at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. Just click on Guidance & Resources.

Q: How do I file for an unemployment claim?

Visit www.louisianaworks.net/hire or call the Claim Center at 1- 866-783-5567

Q: Will unemployment benefits and/or a stimulus check as a result of COVID-19 public health emergency be used in determining Louisiana Medicaid Long Term Care eligibility or continued eligibility?

No. Louisiana Medicaid Long Term Care or waiver recipients who received an additional $600 weekly unemployment benefits and or a stimulus check under the CARES Act are exempt from this income being counted as a resource for 12 months after they receive it.

Q: If I work in a business that has been designated as “essential” and I have possibly been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should I still go to work?

Some businesses have been designated as essential per the Governor’s order and remain open. These include healthcare, emergency response and other businesses that provide vital infrastructure roles within communities. Employees of these businesses should contact their employer for guidance. However, an individual is permitted to continue work following potential exposure, provided they do not have symptoms. In these instances, someone who has been exposed should self-monitor by taking their temperature before each work shift to ensure they remain fever-free before starting work.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: What is the updated guidance to private early learning centers?

The Louisiana Dept. of Education provides COVID-19 FAQs for EArly Childhood Providers at this link: COVID-19 FAQ for Early Childhood Providers

Given the risk for transmission of the virus causing COVID-19 in group or congregate settings, centers must follow the below guidance in order to remain in operation:

Strongly encourage all children that can stay home to do so;

Early learning center and daycare services should prioritize support for health care workers and essential workers;

Children and staff group sizes should be limited to 10 or less and group sizes for infants should be limited to 5 or less;

Outdoor groups should be separated from each other, and also follow the <10 staff/children guidance;

P ractice frequent environmental cleaning (cleaning high touch surfaces hourly) and wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Alcohol based sanitizers are appropriate when soap and water are not readily available;

Actively monitor children and staff for any symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat throughout the day. Any child with these symptoms should not participate in these programs for the duration of the illness. Only well children should attend; and

Staff members in high-risk (elderly, those with medical conditions) should be encouraged to stay home.

Q: Is it a responsibility of employers to report positive test results of employees to LDH?

No. Test results do not need to be reported to LDH by employers.

Q: When can I return to work?

Individual businesses are now making decisions about when and how their workforce can return. Check with your employer for specific guidance about your job. The Louisiana Department of Health has developed guidance for employers and employees of essential businesses about safely returning to work. The guidance is on www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. Click on Guidance & Resources.

Q: I am an office worker but my company is near the top of a high-rise building. What about the risk of riding in elevators, or simply pushing the buttons?

CDC guidance is to limit use and occupancy of elevators to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Elevator buttons, like doors, doorknobs, faucets, and water fountains, must be cleaned frequently.

Q: The only way I can get to work is on public transportation and that doesn’t feel particularly safe to me right now. Can that be grounds for continuing to work at home?

Hard to say. Generally, the workplace is your employer’s responsibility; how you get there is yours. If you use public transportation, the CDC advises you to:

• Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Wash your hands before and right after your ride, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.

• Practice social distancing. During travel, try to keep at least 6 feet from people who are not in your household.

• Wear cloth face coverings when physical distancing is difficult.

Q: What does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say about reopening workplaces?

The CDC has its own guidelines for employers: Stop handshaking; facilitate hand washing at the door and send emails to employees at regular intervals reminding them to wash their hands; remind employees to avoid touching their faces and to cover coughs and sneezes; disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly.

The full guidance can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/office-buildings.html

Q: Are there any other recommendations for employees and employers?

Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible; when not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces; consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings; and assess the risks of business travel. Employers should also ensure strict hygiene in cafeterias. Other recommendations include adding space betWhat can a business do if an employee is refusing to return to work?

Individual businesses are now making decisions about when and how their workforce can return. Check with your employer for specific guidance about your job. Employees follow the directives of their employer. In a situation in which an employee is refusing to return to work, the employer can make a report to the Louisiana Workforce Commission using the online form found at: https://www2.laworks.net/CARESact/UI_ROW_Create.asp?fbclid=IwAR2jzevs2ao-_aSoXiHvECs8As3wyBLU7wh801wLob1VkBTQI1RVDo2EODQ

ween workers and staggering work schedules. Employees should not share phones, desks, offices, work tools, or equipment, when possible.

Q: Where I work, an employee's spouse tested positive for COVID-19. Is there a quarantine period for that employee before they can return to work?

The Department of Health advises people who have been a close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 minutes) of a known case, to self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

If some is a contact of a contact, that person should monitor themselves for symptoms.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: What can a business do if an employee is refusing to return to work?

Individual businesses are now making decisions about when and how their workforce can return. Check with your employer for specific guidance about your job. Employees follow the directives of their employer. In a situation in which an employee is refusing to return to work, the employer can make a report to the Louisiana Workforce Commission using the online form found at: https://www2.laworks.net/CARESact/UI_ROW_Create.asp?fbclid=IwAR2jzevs2ao-_aSoXiHvECs8As3wyBLU7wh801wLob1VkBTQI1RVDo2EODQ

Q: For businesses, are employees required to wear masks? Are there exemptions for employees with medical conditions?

Employees should follow the guidance issued by their employer. If an employee has a concern, that should be a discussion between the employee and employer.

Q: I want to file a complaint about a sick employee continuing to report to work.

Direct them to call 225-354-3555.

Q: I have an employee who tested positive. Do I need to notify customers or clients?

If the employee with the positive test had close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with any customers or clients, those individuals will be contacted by a contact tracer with the Louisiana Department of Health. The contact tracer will ask questions about employee’s health status, where they have traveled, who else they have been in contact with during the time the person was contagious. The contact tracer will then notify any close contacts that they have been exposed to the virus.

The positive employee may also call the contact tracers if they have not yet received a call at 1-877-766-2130. Employers should also proactively follow recommendations to make sure any ill employees stay home and close contacts of an employee who is positive for COVID-19 quarantine at home for 14 days.

Q: Will my business be contacted by the Department of Health if one of my employees tests positive?

Not necessarily. The Louisiana Department of Health’s contact tracers will only contact the individual who tested positive and that person’s close contacts. If a place of business has two more positive employees, public health may follow-up to provide prevention recommendations. Each business can implement their own reporting requirements for their employees. Typical requirements include notification of the employer by the employee if that person tested positive for COVID-19 or if that person was exposed to someone with COVID-19. Employers should also proactively follow recommendations to make sure any ill employees stay home and close contacts of an employee who is positive for COVID-19 quarantine at home for 14 days.

SCHOOLS and CHILDREN

Q. What is the risk to children?

Although infections in children have been reported, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19 or at greater risk of a serious illness. However, COVID-19has been associated with multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). This is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs. The cause of MIS-C is unknown but many children with this condition had the virus that causes COVID-19 or had been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Q: When will schools reopen?

Information about when and how schools will reopen, as well as virtual learning options, continue to evolve as the extent of the pandemic in Louisiana changes.

State Level Information: For the most up-to-date information about schools and education-specific questions at the state level, the Department of Education has established a special email address: LDOECOVID19Support@la.gov

Local School Districts: We encourage you to contact your child’s school or school district for the most up-to-date local information.

Q: What about daycares and preschools?

Daycares and early learning centers run by private entities can remain open unless otherwise informed as the situation progresses. However, daycare programs should encourage children who can stay home to do so, children and staff should wash their hands frequently and they should limit child grouping.

Q: If a student or staff develops symptoms* or tests positive, what does the individual need to do?

Faculty and/or students can return to the classroom when:

At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, and

At least 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medications, and

Other symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved.

If asymptomatic, it has been at least 10-days since positive test collection date.

Q: What should a student or staff do if they have been exposed (in close contact to a confirmed case or a person with symptoms) to COVID-19?

An individual with a known exposure should quarantine at home for 14 days past their last exposure to the case.

A close contact is any individual who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes during their infectious period, which includes the 48 hours before the day the person became sick (or the 48 hours before specimen collection if asymptomatic) until the person was isolated.

Q: When may a student or teacher who was exposed and on quarantine return to school?

These individuals should stay at home for 14 days from the last date of exposure. If they become symptomatic, they would be considered a case and need to follow end of isolation criteria to return to school.

Q: Are students or staff required to wear a mask or other face coverings?

An Executive Order by Gov. Edwards requires the use of face covering/mask in public settings. And, public health officials recommend that face coverings should be worn in a school setting by staff and students in third grade or higher (and children over the age of two may also wear face coverings) as they prevent transmission of COVID.

Q: Do children need to wear masks when carpooling to school in a private vehicle?

If kids are from separate households, they should wear a mask when carpooling. If they are from the same household, they do not need to.

Q: What social distancing arrangements should be made in schools and classrooms?

In order to minimize exposure risk in the classroom, health officials recommend all students be assigned seats and be discouraged from changing seats over time. Teachers should try to maintain 6 feet or greater distance from their students during class and minimize the amount of time spent closer than 6 feet to any pupil.

Q: My child came in contact with someone who is considered a close contact of a person who was exposed to COVID-19. Does my child need to stay home? If so, for how long?

Contacts of a person who was a close contact of another person who was exposed (the primary contact) does not stay home unless the primary contact becomes positive or symptomatic.

Q: What should teachers and/or students do if another student in the classroom notifies the school they have symptoms and are staying home?

Student and teachers should stay home for14 days from the last date of exposure to the student who reported they have COVID-19 symptoms.

As a courtesy, the school may decide to alert others that that there has been a positive case in a classroom or school. When doing this, the school should be clear that this information is for awareness only and that others do not need to stay home,

Q: How many students can we allow to be positive or be required to stay at home before the entire school is shifted to virtual learning?

To prevent needing to move an entire class to virtual learning, seats in the classroom should be assigned and maintained to limit the number of students who would potentially be exposed to a case in the class and need to quarantine.

If two or more people test positive or have COVID symptoms within 14 days of each other, the entire class should move to virtual learning until 14 days past the last day a symptomatic person was in class.

The school may decide to move an entire school to virtual learning if the number of staff how are staying at home hinders the operation of in-person learning. Schools are asked to call the local Office of Public Health cases-by-case guidance.

Q: