Louisiana's fourth COVID wave is growing 3.4 times faster than winter's wave

The Advocate's Top Headlines

with Kelly P. Kissel | Metro editor

CHOOSING SIDES: Health officials note that the decision by most Louisiana residents to forgo the COVID-19 vaccine is paying off — for the virus.

State health officials today are reporting the highest increase in the number of hospitalizations since the first three weeks of the pandemic. The number of new cases for the past week is 11 times what it was a month ago, and the rate of increase is more than three times what it was in the third wave last December.

We update the numbers here.

The increasing case numbers are poised to alter life again. Here are a few examples from today:

CDC expected to reverse masking guidance, recommend vaccinated people wear them

COVID spike prompts Louisiana prison system to cancel visits and keep volunteers out

As COVID surge escalates in Louisiana, hospitals shut down elective surgeries: 'No room at our inn'

Health experts say the current set of problems stem from the large number of people who are unvaccinated.

AMITE RIVER ATTRACTION DEATHS: Jackie DeRobertis, our new Livingston-Tangipahoa Parish-based reporter, takes a look at the drownings over the years at Amite River-based water attractions. See her story here.

JUICY SEAFOOD: At Old Captain Juicy Seafood & Bar, owners Ryan Chen and Raymond Weng are putting a new twist on boiled seafood with their unique marinade. Here’s the scoop on the new restaurant at the Mall of Louisiana.