LAFAYETTE, La. — Lafayette Consolidated Government administration officials provided updates on the on-going COVID-19 public health emergency in a press conference on Friday.
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory spoke on Gov. John Bel Edward's press briefing on Thursday where he expressed concern over the Louisiana Department of Health reporting a rise in cases in Region 4, which covers Acadiana.
Guillory said that LCG's understanding is that the area is experiencing community spread with workplace clusters that could potentially delay a Phase 3 reopening.
Guillory also announced the initial results from a survey conducted by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau on what residents think about the COVID-19 pandemic locally.
The survey was conducted with 782 respondents from June 15-16 by a national public survey firm.
According to Guillory, the survey found that 80% of respondents are concerned about the virus with 53% very concerned and 22% not very concerned. Another 35% percent of respondents reported not feeling safe at restaurants, and 50% reporting not feeling safe at sports or entertainment events.
Guillory said this is a clear signal from the local market that if businesses don't take proper precautions then patrons will stay home more often.
Guillory also announced that LCG will begin accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grants for local small businesses on Monday at 4 p.m. The grant is open to low and moderate businesses who did not receive relief from the Paycheck Protection Program, economic injury loans or other forms of aid.
Businesses can apply for CDBG funds at Lafayette.org/BRP.
Dr. Tina Stefanski was also on hand to answer questions about the rise in cases in Region 4 - Acadiana.
According to Stefanski, the region is in a rebound phase, which is not where she wants it to be but she said the community will do a better. She said that if residents act now then we will eventually see a decrease in cases.
She urged residents to continue wearing masks when going out, washing their hands and continue practicing social distancing as much as possible.
On GMA, Stefanski answered questions about COVID-19 from our viewers, see more here.
As of June 19, LDH reports 787 cases reported to the state since June 18, bringing total COVID-19 cases to 48,515. Friday's total case count reflects an additional increase of 760 cases that would have been reported on June 18, 2020, and a decrease of 1,666 duplicate and out-of-state cases. LDH reported 7 new COVID-19 deaths on June 18 and today reports an additional 15 deaths, bringing the state’s total to 2,972 COVID-19 deaths.
In Lafayette Parish, there are a total of1,310 cases of COVID-19, which is up by 8. Lafayette Parish is still reporting a total of 32 deaths due to COVID-19 with no additional deaths being reported.
Watch the press conference below:
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