Dr. Jalal Joudeh, Chief of Staff for DeQuincy Memorial Hospital and DeQuincy Medical Clinic Head Physician informed DeQuincy News on Tuesday, May 19, at press time that 317 test kits for Corona Virus (COVID-19) had been administered in DeQuincy. 84 patients (51 females, 22 males and 11 re-swabs) have tested positive from a local lab and 15 from other labs. There have been 10 area deaths related to COVID-19. (Note above statistics are the total from Mar. 31 to present reporting.)
As of May 19, according to Louisiana Department of Health, there are 521 cases in Calcasieu Parish and 40 deaths. In Louisiana there is a total of 35,038 cases and 2,458 deaths. He said he is optimistic with caution and to keep your guard up.
Good news: The number of cases in the comunity are susiding however with phase one reopening we have to be careful, the next 2-4 weeks we will see the impact on the numbers of cases.
In the beginning of June, the local medical clinics will start seeing patients inside the building on a case by case basis. Please be patient with the staff as you may be asked to stay in the car waiting for your turn, asked about your symptoms, put mask on prior to entering the building and limit the number of companions coming in with the patient.
He noted that if a patient is positive for COVID-19 by definite test, he or she is no longer a patient under investigation and the 14-day quarantine rule may not apply to him or her, it may be longer. That means the return to work or release from restrictions should be done by consulting your primary care physician. We have found some patients stay positive beyond the two weeks, they could stay contagious for up to three weeks or more.
Unfortunately this disease is new and we are still learning more about it. The disease hits the vulnerable hard, and precautions are still needed to protect the high risk group. 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.
Dr. Joudeh emphasized this 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. Try limiting going to the grocery store, eating out, and large gatherings, etc.
Everyone be safe and God bless.
