LDH News

The Louisiana Department of Health will close oyster beds in areas 1-28 beginning at sunset on Sunday, August 29, 2021 due to the potential of poor water quality because of Hurricane Ida.

Community-based testing and vaccine sites operated by the Office of Public Health and the Louisiana Army National Guard will close early today in preparation for impacts from Tropical Storm Ida.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency due to the potential impacts and further development of Tropical Storm Ida. According to the National Hurricane Center, this system is forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast at or near major hurricane intensity Sunday.

Ivermectin is commonly used in animals to treat or prevent parasites. The FDA has not approved or authorized ivermectin for cases of COVID-19.

Today, the Louisiana Department of Health confirms the death of a child under the age of 1 - the first of the fourth surge of COVID-19 in the state, which is largely driven by the stronger, more contagious Delta variant and the state's lower vaccination rates.

Residents requiring assistance can call the Bring Back Louisiana COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

LDH has published the list of participating providers, along with their locations and contact information, on its website at covidvaccine.la.gov. In addition to these providers, community vaccination events are taking place across the state and are also listed on LDH's website.

"Today's FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, now marketed as Comirnaty, is yet another historic moment in our journey out of this COVID-19 pandemic. This full FDA approval of the first COVID vaccine follows months of clinical trials and millions upon millions of real-world doses safely administered across the globe. This vaccine is well researched, very safe and highly effective at preventing serious COVID illness, hospitalization and death," Gov. Edwards said.

Testing is for ages 3 and older. If you have been exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested.

Testing is for ages 3 and older. There is no cost, and no identification is needed. If you have been exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested.