St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars has confirmed three deaths from COVID-19 in the parish.
At a 10:30 am briefing Cedars announced that there are 11 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the parish. Three of those cases have resulted in death.
The results from some of the tests, Cedars says, were taken and received within the last few days.
One of deaths, Cedars says, was of a woman in her 40s who was in good health.
Dr. Tina Stefanski says that the three deaths were of residents aged 41, 70, and 89 years.
The spike in cases come quickly after the parish confirmed their first case on Tuesday, March 24.
Cedars says that the Stay At Home order issued by Governor John Bel Edwards that took effect Monday, March 21 was adopted by the parish on Tuesday.
"If you're in doubt, stay at home," he says. "These measures are important and must be followed if we are to get this under control."
During the press conference, Cedars reiterated that under the governor's order, individuals are to remain at home except under very well and clearly defined circumstances. One of those is that workers can not report to work unless they were performing an essential job with an essential business. Those essential businesses were outlined in the order, read that here.
Cedars says that any changes to the parish government's message as a result of the cases and deaths was to more vigorously spread the message to stay at home.
Dr. Tina Stefanski said during the press conference that those who think that the situation is overblown needs to step back and take a look at what's happening around the world and the country.
She also says that the United States is seeing more cases in younger people than what has been reported in other countries.
"Everyone of all ages needs to take heed and needs to understand that as we get more information about this virus, it's more and more concerning for all of us," she says
Sites are open daily for COVID-19 screenings around Acadiana. To see a list of those sites, click here.
