By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The number of COVID-19 cases in the City of New Orleans has risen to 1,170 as of Friday, including 57 deaths.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

On Sunday, March 29th, in response to COVID-19 pandemic, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will expand its service reductions and will waive transit fares for bus, streetcar and ferry service until further notice.  The service reductions will further mitigate community spread of COVID-19 while protecting RTA operators and riders and providing streamlined public transportation options for those conducting essential travel.

On Thursday, City of New Orleans health and safety officials, with support from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, conducted cleanup and securing of homeless encampments along with the temporary transfer of homeless residents into an alternative location as part of our precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

As part of the cleanup, staff from the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite & Rodent Control Board will apply chemicals to the area to prevent any rodent infestation. This operation is ongoing, and they are continuing to work with the state and local partners on additional options as capacity is reached.

On Monday, March 30, Mayor LaToya Cantrell will host a town hall to discuss the City’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and how residents can protect themselves and their families from the coronavirus.

The town hall will be presented by and broadcast on WBOK (1230 AM) from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. CDT. Mayor Cantrell will be joined by Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Director, New Orleans Health Department.

Residents who have questions are encouraged to call the WBOK talk line at 504-582-9420. Viewers can watch on Mayor Cantrell’s Facebook page and Instagram page.

Statewide, the Louisiana Department of Health reported 441 additional cases since yesterday, bringing the total to 2,746 positive cases.

The Department reports an additional 36 deaths since yesterday, bringing the total to 119 deaths.

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