March 18, 2020 Seventh COVID-19 related death, first Jefferson Parish death reported in Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mar 18, 2020 - The Louisiana Department of Health reports a seventh death related to COVID-19. The 72-year-old individual was a Jefferson Parish resident. There is no known connection to the Lambeth House.

The State’s fifth and sixth COVID-19 related deaths were reported earlier on Wednesday. This is the first COVID-19 death in Jefferson Parish.

Going forward, LDH will report COVID-19 related deaths twice per day, at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., as needed.

While older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk, everyone can become exposed to COVID-19 and must be vigilant to protect their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the serious chronic health conditions include heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

For updates on positive cases and deaths, visit the Louisiana Department of Health's COVID-19 webpage.

Everyone is warned to take the necessary precautions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe and healthy.

These precautions include:

• Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently
• Covering your cough or sneeze with your arm
• Avoiding touching your face
• Routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Avoiding close contact with others
• And staying home if you are sick