Parish president: Public response much too slow

During a somber press conference last Friday at the St. Martin Parish Public Safety Complex, Parish President Chester Cedars told members of the media that the COVID-19 pandemic had claimed three lives in the parish.
At that time, there were 11 local diagnosed cases and the three deaths in St. Martin Parish. The number of cases had swelled to 20 but there had been no additional fatalities at presstime Tuesday.
Cedars warned that, without more local cooperation with Governor John Bel Edwards’ March 23 order that all non-essential workers shelter at home, it will be difficult to prevent further spread.
“The stay-at-home-order clearly and unequivocally states that you are to stay at home,” Cedars said. “Workers cannot report to work unless performing an essential job at an essential business.”
The governor’s order describes essential workers as: “health care workers, public safety employees, some government workers, staff of grocery stores and restaurants and employees of some business like manufacturers and utilities that have to continue operations to support our communities.”
Also at the March 27 press conference was Dr. Tina Stephanski, Region IV medical director for the Louisiana Department of Health. She made it clear that assumptions being made about the virus only presenting a risk for the elderly are incorrect.
“Everyone of all ages needs to take heed,” she said, “and needs to understand that, as we get more information about this virus, it’s more and more concerning for all of us.” One of the deaths within the parish was a 41-year-old without underlying health conditions. The other two were 70 and 89 years of age.
Cedars added that residents must be aware that regional numbers for infection are more relevant than those for the parish alone. In an on-line communication on Monday, March 30, he shared the information that the cases in Acadiana parishes number 212, with eight fatalities so far.
“Who the hell are we to challenge these orders?” he commented. “We need uniformity in a regional response to this crisis.” Whether an individual feels threatened or not, they are required and obligated to observe the governor’s guidelines for the sake of others.
“Moreover,” Cedars states in Monday’s communication, “I have received reports about specifically listed businesses which the stay-at-home order says must close (bars, hair salons, etc.) being open and conducting activities. If anyone knows of any such businesses operating, please contact our Office of Environmental Protection at 337-394-2808 so that the proper investigation can ensue.”
Finally, Cedars cautions that too many customers are crowding into open stores at the same time, particularly big-box stores. “We encourage everyone who must visit an essential business to do so alone or with only a minimal number of household members.