More than 18,000 deaths now blamed on COVID-19 in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Louisiana is marking a grim milestone within the battle in opposition to COVID-19.

The Louisiana Division of Well being stated greater than 18,000 individuals have now died because of the virus. In Louisiana, COVID-19 has additionally change into the third main reason behind loss of life since 2020.

In the meantime, multiple million deaths nationwide are being blamed on the virus.

“The quantity of loss because of this virus is actually staggering,” stated LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillps. “We keep in mind the 18,000 Louisianans who’ve died due to COVID-19, and who, together with their family members, have paid the final word value. We should stay vigilant in opposition to this pandemic and proceed to do every part we are able to to save lots of as many lives as doable. As the autumn and winter seasons method, it is very important take precautions to maintain ourselves, our households, and our communities protected and wholesome.”

Well being leaders stated the general public can keep protected by rolling up their sleeves for up to date COVID-19 booster pictures. The boosters are designed to supply higher safety in opposition to the BA.4 and BA.5 strains of the Omicron variant. The strains make up greater than 90% of the instances spreading throughout the nation, based on the Louisiana Division of Well being.

“Staying updated on our vaccines, together with taking the brand new bivalent COVID-19 booster if you end up eligible, is the easiest way to remain protected, shield the progress we now have made, and guarantee there are brighter days forward,” stated Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.

To date, greater than two million individuals in Louisiana have rolled up their sleeves to obtain their major vaccine sequence in opposition to the virus.

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