Dr. Jalal Joudeh, Chief of Staff for DeQuincy Memorial Hospital and DeQuincy Medical Clinic Head Physician informed DeQuincy News on Tuesday, May 5, at press time that 286 test kits have been administered in DeQuincy for Corona Virus (COVID-19). There are now 69 patients who have tested positive, from local labs and 10 from other labs.
There have been six COVID related deaths in the DeQuincy area. (Note above statistics are related from Mar. 31 to present reporting. See chart on Page 8 of this issue.)
As of May 4, according to Louisiana Department of Health, there are 470 cases in Calcasieu Parish and 34 deaths. In Louisiana there is a total of 29,996 cases and 2,042 deaths.
Dr. Joudeh noted that the numbers are still rising. He urges anyone with a fever or known COVID-19 diagnosis to absolutely not go out in public. Do not go to the store or pharmacy; stay isolated in your home, away from family and stay home, quarantined as directed by your physician. Do not risk spreading this highly contagious virus to others.
As the Governor’s Stay At Home Order extends through Friday, May 15, Joudeh encourages everyone to keep being safe, keep their guard up, stay at home, and call their personal physician if they have any questions or concerns.
The virus is a respiratory virus that enters the body through nose, mouth and eye contact by touching or breathing; therefore, be vigilant about social distancing by six feet, and also wear a mask when you go to the store, and continue with safe hand washing as set by CDC, federal and state official guidelines. Continue to try limiting going to grocery store, eating out, and large gatherings, etc.
The high risk groups for severe illness are elderly that are over 65 years old, people with underlining health conditions like Diabetes, Heart Disease, COPD, Cancer, Obesity, smokers, etc. Please be very vigilant around this high risk group.
The News suggests that you call Brookshire Pharmacy at 786-5863 to follow their recommendations and safeguards and perhaps arrange for curb pickup of your prescriptions. Practice social distancing while waiting in line for medication or while shopping.
Please use your local healthcare resources DeQuincy Memorial Hospital, DeQuincy Medical Clinic, Chadha’s Medical Clinic, Jacob’s Medical Clinic, DeQuincy Home Health, Southern Home Health, The Care Center of DeQuincy, and your local Brookshire Brothers Pharmacy for any concerns or questions.
Everyone be safe and God bless.
