President Trump on Tuesday approved Gov. Edwards' request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
President Trump ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing.
The action makes federal funding available for crisis counseling for individuals in all areas in the state of Louisiana.
Funding is also available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for all areas in the state impacted by COVID-19.
FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor named George A. Robinson as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.
"I am very appreciative of the federal government's expeditious approval of our request and their support throughout our response," Tweeted Gov. Edwards Tuesday night.
I am very appreciative of the federal government's expeditious approval of our request and their support throughout our response. #lagov #lalege
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) March 25, 2020
Gov. Edwards requested the declaration on Tuesday as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb.
As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 1,388 cases in the state, with 43 of the state's 64 parishes reporting cases. There have been 46 coronavirus related deaths in Louisiana.
Read more, including Gov. Edwards' statement on the disaster declaration, here.
