Department of Health | State of Louisiana

Emergency Preparedness

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Social Distancing

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Emergency Preparedness

Helping you plan, prepare and get up-to-date information, including guidance and mental health resources for storm readiness during COVID-19.

Also visit Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The CDC, as well as the Office of Public Health, have been proactively preparing for the introduction of this virus since it was first identified in China earlier this year.

For COVID-19 Alerts Text LACOVID to 67283

If you have questions about coronavirus, please contact the Louisiana 211 Network by dialing dial 211. Or, text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available.

Social Distancing

Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft. Social distancing means keeping 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others. This helps to prevent the spread of illness.

Fight the Bite

Protect yourself and your loved ones this season from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus by taking steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protecting yourself from bites. Click to learn how.

Medicaid Information

Are you eligible for Medicaid? Learn how to apply and choose a health plan or doctor.

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Recent News

LDH reopens some oyster beds closed due to Hurricane Sally

September 16, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health will reopen oyster beds in areas 8-25 beginning at sunrise on Thursday, September 17, 2020. Areas 1-7 will remain closed due to affects from Hurricane Sally.

Louisiana Department of Health announces leadership changes

September 16, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health is announcing leadership changes effective October 1, 2020.

Memo: OCF/DD Issues; License-Temporary Relocation & Sheltering Sites

September 14, 2020

Considering the substantial impacts and effects of multiple tropical storms/hurricanes on the residents of Louisiana, and the need to coordinate care, services, treatment, and placement for evacuees, Louisiana will allow for the following current relief to ICF/DDs:

Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana Cancer Prevention provide toll-free line to help displaced patients find cancer care

September 14, 2020

The toll-free line is 888-599-1073 and is staffed during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The hotline is provided in partnership by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs (LCP).

LDH closes all oyster beds in areas 1-25 due to Hurricane Sally

September 14, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health will close oyster beds in areas 1-25 beginning at sunset on Monday, September 14, 2020, due to the potential of poor water quality because of Hurricane Sally.

Louisiana Department of Health announces award of $34.5 million State Opioid Response grant

September 14, 2020

The LaSOR 2.0 grant allows the State to continue addressing the needs of residents facing the challenges of opioid and stimulant use and misuse � a population which has faced increased difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LDH Blog: Recovery Month 2020: Recovery isn't just possible � it's transformational

September 14, 2020

"I thought I was going to die with a needle in my arm, all alone and empty inside. I had fully accepted this as my fate because I had tried to quit shooting heroin so many times before and nothing ever seemed to work. When in those dark and hopeless moments of despair, I would often wonder how I got there," Katherine Penton writes.

Gov. John Bel Edwards Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Tropical Storm Sally

September 12, 2020

Gov. John Bel Edwards on Saturday declared a State of Emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Sally, which is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane that could impact Louisiana as early as Monday morning. Already, the National Weather Service has issued hurricane and tropical storm watches for areas of Southeast Louisiana.

Free COVID-19 mobile testing and necessary vaccines offered at Calcasieu Parish Health Unit to Hurricane Laura evacuees

September 11, 2020

Mobile testing for COVID-19 and vaccines for tetanus, hepatitis A and hepatitis B will be available to Hurricane Laura evacuees from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, September 14 through Friday, September 18 at the Calcasieu Parish Health Unit, 3236 Kirkman St., Lake Charles.

Mobile COVID-19 testing, necessary vaccines and primary care services offered to Hurricane Laura evacuees at Lafayette Parish Health Unit

September 11, 2020

Mobile testing for COVID-19 and vaccines for tetanus, hepatitis A and hepatitis B will be available to Hurricane Laura evacuees in Lafayette from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Lafayette Parish Health Unit.

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