Survey highlights initial impact of COVID-19 on Acadiana businesses
Of roughly 1,000 local businesses surveyed between March 19 and March 25, 91% expected revenue to decline.
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COVID-19
The ambitious $350 billion Paycheck Protection Program passed by Congress one week ago to help small businesses weather the coronavirus crisis rolls out this morning amid confusion and mixed signals.
Updated federal guidelines for the program were not issued until late Thursday night in a 31-page “interim final rules” document, just hours before the PPP was supposed to begin accepting applications, and most banks are still not ready.
Source: Banks urge patience as PPP rollout gets off to a rocky start
Ochsner Health System officials will soon begin using rapid COVID-19 tests in their emergency rooms and other areas to screen out patients who have the disease, they said Thursday.
The tests by Abbott Laboratories were cleared by the Food and Drug Administration last week and were shipped to hospitals beginning Wednesday. Ochsner has received some of the tests kits as of Thursday. The 5-minute test joins another 45-minute test in Ochsner’s stockpile and the same-day tests it has had for weeks.
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Acadiana, state health officials on Thursday released new data showing in the seven-parish region that includes Lafayette, more than half the ventilators are in use and 81% of hospital intensive care unit beds are in use.
The New Orleans area is about two weeks ahead of Acadiana in the progression of the coronavirus pandemic, this region’s top public health official said Monday. If the number of cases and number of hospital admissions continue to grow, she said, in a few weeks Acadiana’s health care system could be “severely impacted.”
Nearly 1,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 at the Cajundome since March 18, but some still haven’t gotten their results back two weeks later.
Source: Coronavirus test results delayed for some tested at Cajundome
Surviving coronavirus with grace and gravy
While coronavirus wreaks havoc on the restaurant industry, Acadiana’s iconic plate lunch houses persevere as tight-knit family businesses with strong neighborhood ties.
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Lafayette residents aren’t facing evictions, but what happens when the bills and rent come due after coronavirus goes away?
Compassionate policies will keep the lights on and people in their homes. Community advocates worry about the other foot dropping when the pandemic is over.
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Sheltering the unsheltered amid COVID-19
Lacking adequate healthcare, those who are unsheltered are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Local shelters are already at capacity, and more people are becoming homeless each day. It’s a public health problem, according to advocates.
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How you can help Lafayette’s economy
The challenges facing Lafayette’s economy may seem overwhelming but you can help right the ship by spending money or making it, and that means more than just shopping local.
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State-led program offers COVID-19 small biz help
Gov. John Bel Edwards today announced a new loan guarantee program offering loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To be eligible, businesses must have fewer than 100 employees.
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LGH, Ochsner take next step in merger
The Boards of Trustees of Lafayette General Health and New Orleans-based Ochsner Health have approved and signed a definitive agreement for LGH to merge with Ochsner. The systems announced the merger in September.
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Health officials: It’s ‘still early’ in Lafayette’s coronavirus outbreak
Confirmed cases continue to surge in Acadiana, reaching 274 per the Louisiana Department of Health’s noon update.
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