LA COVID-19 Cases Up To 77; First Death Reported

UPDATE: The state of Louisiana reports first death from the COVID-19 virus.

That death being reported as a 58-year-old individual with underlying health conditions.

The Lousiana Department of health has also reported an additional 10 presumptive positive cases.

The total number of cases in Louisiana is up to 77.

As access to Coronavirus testing becomes readily available to those exhibiting symptoms if the virus, Louisiana is beginning to see more positive cases.

Right now, the number of presumptive positive Coronavirus cases in Louisiana has increased from 51 to 67.

That's according to a Louisiana Dept. of Health report Saturday morning.

Louisiana is seeing the vast majority of their cases in Orleans Parish which is now up to 36.

In the latest report, a parish-by-parish breakdown was not provided.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases in the Baton Rouge or Lafayette areas.

All presumed positive test results await confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Governor John Bel Edwards; administration says community spread explains the rising numbers in the New Orleans area.

This means the illness is being spread locally and not through travel.

In an attempt to contain the spread, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards mandated the closure of all K-12 schools in the state starting Monday.

Schools will reopen on April 13th.

Gatherings larger than 250 people are banned during this time.