Louisiana has reported the first death in connection with the coronavirus.
The Governor's office says the 58-year-old, being treated at Touro Infirmary Hospital and Medical Center in New Orleans, had "underlying health conditions".
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the first Louisiana death related to COVID-19 today,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “I have spoken with Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and we send our prayers and condolences to the family of the deceased. In addition, we now have 10 new presumptive positive cases bringing our total to 77."
Orleans Parish continues to lead the state in the number of cases at 53. Jefferson Parish has reported 11 cases. St. Tammany, St. Charles and Terrebonne have 2 each and Bossier, Caddo and St. John the Baptist have one apiece.
Two of the 77 cases are confirmed to be coronavirus by the Centers for Disease Control.
"Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant against the spread of this illness by taking care of ourselves and each other, avoiding going into public areas if you are sick, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water. This underscores the fact that those with underlying health issues are most at risk from the coronavirus," said Gov. Edwards. "Those with compromised immune systems and are older should be taking extra precautions to avoid becoming affected with the coronavirus.”