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Update on the Coronavirus From the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office

 

 

March 26, 2020


Local Update on COVID-19

 

As of 12pm today March 26, 2020, DeSoto Parish now has 11 positive cases of the COVID-19 virus reported, and sadly, 1 reported death. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office offers our sincere condolences to the family, and their tragic loss during this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. It is important for the public to understand the seriousness of this outbreak, and how rapidly it is affecting so many families in our state. With that said, we want to say THANK YOU to all of our workers who are doing such a fantastic job in keeping our community going. Your sacrifices and hard work during this virus does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful that you show up, every day, to provide necessary services for our citizens. DeSoto Parish is a family that we hold dear. As citizens, let's continue to band together, look out for one another, and set an example of how great a people we truly are.

 

We have received some calls from concerned citizens who have noticed our deputies patrolling in different areas. We have amped up our presence in communities to ensure public safety and prevent crime that may result due to the current situation. You may see them in your neighborhood and around small businesses more than usual. We are solely there to ensure that you and your property remains safe from theft and other illegal activity. Sadly, there are those that seek to take advantage of an already dire situation.

 

We again remind the public that we are NOT in a mandatory Lock-Down, and you are free to go about your personal business in the public. Gathering in groups of 10 or more people is prohibited, by the state, and applies to ALL types of gatherings. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking personal responsibility to determine when it is essential to go out, and when it is not. We understand how many see this situation as an over-reaction, but we ask that you consider what the alternative outcome could be if we do not take this virus seriously for the sake of our community. Continue to practice the precautions that we have previously provided. Wash your hands constantly, do not touch your face, keep 6 feet distance between yourself and others. We will keep you posted daily as new data is released at 12pm each day via the LDH website: http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/

 

Days past in Louisiana by the numbers:
March 23: 1,172 cases (+335 added in 24hrs)
March 24: 1,388 cases (+216 in 24 hrs)
March 25: 1,795 cases (+407 in 24 hrs)
March 26: 2,305 cases (+510 in 24 hrs)
Total Deaths to Date: 83 (+18 in 24 hrs)
DeSoto Parish: 11 positive cases and 1 death.

Today’s Commonly Asked Questions:

 

*** If you have questions please comment below or inbox our Facebook page. We are trying our best to keep our phone lines open to emergencies. ***

 

Q: What areas of the parish have positive cases been identified? Who passed away?

 

A: We were able to confirm that there are 3 cases in the Stonewall area, and 3 cases in the Mansfield area. We have not been provided with the location to the other cases yet. Our agency is not tasked with providing personal information on individuals who have tested positive or otherwise. If that information is released, it will not be through the DeSoto Sheriff's Office.

 

Q: If a positive case was identified at my place of work, is the business required to shut down?

 

A: No. Those that have come into contact with the employee who has tested positive should be notified and advised on what they should do. If you are working for what has been determined an "essential business," it is solely up to the employer to determine if a shut down is necessary based on information they receive from the Louisiana Department of Health.

 

Q: If a loved one has passed away, can I still attend the funeral since there is a limit on gatherings?


A: Reach out to your funeral home to find out what policies they have put into place.

 

Q: Are the bridges and state borders closing?


A: No. There are no plans to close borders or bridges at this time.

 

Q: Is there a curfew being enforced? Do I have to be in my home by a certain time in the evening?


A: No. We are not in a Lock-Down.

 

Q: Can I leave my house to go to the store, bank, etc.?


A: Yes, of course. It is a “recommendation” that you take personal responsibility to limit your public outings to protect your own health, and the health of others. Meeting in groups of 10 or more is prohibited.

 

Q: Are we allowed to carpool to work as a group, in a vehicle/van of 10 or more people?


A: There are currently no guidelines prohibiting travel to and from work at this time. We do not recommend carpooling as a group, because it is a confined space filled with several people who could spread germs among one another. However, we have been given no order to stop this from taking place.

 

Q: I have a lawn business. Am I ok to continue to do my work?


A: Yes. Please just be mindful of your interactions with others for your safety and theirs.

 

Q: I own a business. How can I tell if my business is considered essential/non-essential? Should we be open or closed right now?


A: It is up to the business owner to decide whether or not they qualify as an essential business, and it is up to the owner to communicate that to their employees. The Sheriff's Office does not make determinations on this matter, we only offer recommendations based on the Governors order that was shared on our Facebook page. If further information is needed, we ask that you reach out to the state for clarity.

 

Q: Do I need a work release form to keep in my vehicle in case I get pulled over?


A: We understand why some employers have chosen to do this, however, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office is not requiring such forms to be carried. We continue to monitor this situation daily and will notify the public if anything changes. If you have been given a form by your employer, just follow the instructions of your employer.

 

Q: I am an employer. Should I give my employees a form to keep in their vehicle to clarify that they work for an essential business?


A: If you wish to do this, it is your decision. As new information comes out every day, things can change. Just understand that at the current moment our office does not require such a form to be presented or carried.

 

Q: Can I still go fishing?


A: Yes. We are not in a Lock-Down. Have fun and enjoy your day. Just do not gather in groups of 10 or more.

 

If you should desire to go fishing, walking, get groceries, go to the ATM, and other forms of personal activity....do so, but do so with personal discretion. Know that when you leave your home you will likely interact with others thereby increasing your chances of contracting this virus. But it is at your own discretion.

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