LAFAYETTE, La. — On Wednesday, April 15 Lafayette Consolidated Government held its daily press briefing on the COVID-19 response in the parish.
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory commented on the "spirited and robust conversation" that was currently taking place across the nation on how and when parts of the country can start reopening.
Guillory said that scope of these efforts are being discussed with the CDC and other health officials.
He added that LCG will continue to heed the advice from local health professionals and will continue to work within the legal framework set out by the state on how to move forward with efforts to reopen locally.
Guillory also said that he will work with local business leaders on how to take the first steps to reopening when they are ready.
Guillory also said that Lafayette Parish may be more affected than other areas because of the drop in energy prices as a result of the pandemic.
Guillory said that LCG expects a significant dropoff in state and local tax revenues.
"Even under unprecedented circumstances, this must be a time for fiscal discipline and fiscal prudence," said Guillory. "We will need every bit of discipline to overcome the twin impacts of COVID-19 and low oil prices."
LCG Council Clerk Veronica Williams also spoke about how the Lafayette City and Parish Councils will proceed with upcoming council meetings under the governor's Stay At Home Order.
The council members will be meeting in regular session on April 21, with the parish council meeting at 5 p.m. and the city council meeting at 6 p.m.
They will be broadcast live on Acadiana Open Channel, COX channel 16 and LUS Fiber channel 4. The will also be streamed on UStream TV.
On Tuesday, April 14, Lafayette Parish was reporting 363 cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths due to the disease. To see Tuesday's press briefing, click here.
Across the state, 21,518 cases of coronavirus were reported by the Louisiana Department of Health. Over 1,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the state.
LDH updates their numbers at noon each day.
For the latest numbers, click here.
