By Cyndi Sellers

Cameron Parish recorded its first official case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the Wuhan novel coronavirus, on Tuesday. No details on the person infected were given, due to privacy rules. OEP Director Danny Lavergne said it has been expected for some time, and people should continue to take the precautions in place for the past few weeks.

In a report to the Cameron Parish Police Jury on Tuesday he said that COVID-19 test results are backed up at the labs, taking two to three weeks to be released. This means that anyone who gets a test should assume they have the disease, immediately go home, and isolate themselves until their results come in. Call someone to get needed supplies. Do not go to the store and possibly spread the virus.

The public should assume there are people in the community who are positive for the virus, Lavergne said. Even people with no symptoms can be infected and contagious. This is why everyone is now being advised by the CDC to wear a non-surgical mask in public. Masks help contain droplets present even in the breath, which could be shared by simply talking.

Gov. Edwards has asked that all Louisiana residents stay at home as much as possible, only going out for groceries once a week, and then only one person going to the store, not the whole family. Sick people should not be going out at all.

With Good Friday and Easter upon us, families will naturally want to be together. The rate of infection may be slowing, thanks to the measure put in place weeks ago, but this is no time to relax vigilance, say experts. CDC guidelines are: stay home; practice social distancing and wear a mask in public; wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol based hand sanitizer if not available; clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.