More than 15,000 new La. COVID cases since Friday; hospitalizations soar

In a rare weekend report on COVID-19, the Louisiana Department of Health said Sunday that it has recorded 15,358 new cases since Friday.

That's from 48,816 tests, a positivity rate of 31.4%. Through the pandemic, a 5% positivity rate has been considered reason for concern, and 10% positivity is a benchmark for identifying parishes as being at high risk.

Also, 1,014 people are hospitalized with COVID in Louisiana, 76% of them people who are not up to date on their COVID vaccine. Only 207 people were hospitalized for COVID Dec. 17.

"Omicron is surging in Louisiana," the department said in a Facebook post Sunday. "Get vaccinated, boosted if eligible, and wear your mask indoors to stay safe and protect those around you. Remember, testing alone is not a strategy to stay safe."

If you have questions about the vaccines you can call 855-453-0774. If you are looking for a test site near you, call 211 or visit https://ldh.la.gov/page/3934

On Thursday, the department issued guidance that include getting vaccinations with boosters; working remotely from home if possible; staying at home if you're sick; and wearing masks when gathering with people from outside your household.

The department also suggested that schools suspend extracurricular activities and gatherings such as pep rallies and dances until the incidence rate falls below 200 per 100,000 members of the population. As of Thursday the incidence rate was above 700 per 100,000.

St. Mary Superintendent Dr. Teresa Bagwell had this to say Thursday about masks in public schools:

"Masks will remain recommended, just short of the mandate given the lack of one employed by the state. I will ask school officials to impress upon students and parents the need to wear masks for the health of their children.

"Regarding extracurricular activities, we will await further guidance from LHSAA, but activities that can be rescheduled will be."

But multiple media sources quoted an LHSAA memo to schools Thursday saying that it will not suspend extra curricular activities.