• The state health department reported 3,604 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 241,335 statewide since March. Officials said 1,551 were from backlogged tests, some dating back as far as April, WBRZ-TV reports. There were 46 additional deaths, bringing the total to 6,501. Hospitalizations increased slightly to 1288, and ventilator use was up to 134.
• The CDC is releasing new guidelines that will allow people who have come in contact with someone infected with the virus to resume normal activity after 10 days, or 7 days if they receive a negative test result. That’s down from the 14-day period recommended since the onset of the pandemic.
• British officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use today, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science.
Read more stories on how the coronavirus is impacting the Baton Rouge business community. See a roundup of resources available to those impacted by the pandemic. Click here to see a 225 magazine list of local restaurants offering patio seating.
