Source: Instagram @mayorcantrell
Let’s keep it real: the world is doing the most when it comes to COVID-19. For the past few weeks, the disease has been sweeping through the nation, trying to take us out. The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, and just recently, NOLA.com reported that, as of today, there are six Coronavirus cases in Louisiana with three positive tests for New Orleans residents.
With that being reported, our beloved Mayor of New Orleans, Latoya Cantrell, has canceled all public events from Wednesday to Sunday. Events included in the lineup are Wednesday at the Square, the Downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade, Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Italian American parade, the Single Men Social Aid and Pleasure Club second line and Uptown’s Super Sunday.
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Citizens of the city are pretty pissed off at the mayor’s decision. A number of people are even more pissed off because The Mayor’s Masked Ball, an annual fundraiser held for Xavier and Dillard universities, is still set to go on this weekend. According to the mayor, she let the event slide because it’s a private event. Dr. Jennifer Avegno, the head of New Orleans’ health department is the reason for the mayor’s decision to cancel all public events. “At large events like parades and second lines, we see attendees interacting very closely for an extended period of time,” she said. “In order to prevent further spread, the health department has recommended to the mayor and her public safety team to cancel this week’s special events.”
Because there is no vaccine that can prevent coronavirus, it is imperative that you educate yourself on how the disease is spread and how to prevent yourself from contracting it. According to the CDC, here are ways the virus can spread:
“The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet); Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.”
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The first line of defense is to make sure you’re doing what you can to prevent contracting COVID-19 and spreading the disease. Here are a few ways:
• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. Need a time? Try singing the “Happy Birthday” tune from beginning to end twice.
• If you don’t have access to soap and water, use sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Just don’t touch ya face!
• Stay home if sick.
• Cover your coughs with a tissue or the bend of your elbow — NOT your hands.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Avoid crowded places.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
For more information on all things Coronavirus 2019 related, visit the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
Stay safe, y’all. ♥