A special meeting of the Sabine Parish Police Jury was held on March 13 due to the imminent threat and the need to be ahead of the spread of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) virus, which has necessitated travel restrictions and the cancelation and closure of businesses, governmental agencies, sports, and much more worldwide. As this was being written, Governor John Bel Edwards closed schools until April 16 and has stopped gatherings of more than 250 people until April 13.
The virus, which was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei, China, on November 17, 2019, spread to 140,000 cases confirmed in 130 countries and territories, with major outbreaks in China, Italy, South Korea, and Iran. As of that date, 5,100 people have died from the disease.
The threat of COVID-19 is the ease by which it is spread and its severity to those of older age and/or compromised immune systems. It spreads much like influenza, via respiratory droplets from coughing. The time between exposure and onset of symptoms is around five days but can be as few as too or as many as 14 days.
Police Jury President Mike McCormic called the meeting into order, which was held in the Police Jury Room of the Sabine Parish Courthouse. Present were representatives of Sabine Medical Center, the Sabine Parish School Board, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the District Attorney’s Office, the 11th Judicial District, Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, Sabine River Authority, and Clerk of Court. Dr. Martha Whyte of the Caddo Parish office for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was also present via phone.
David Davis, director of the Sabine Parish Office of Homeland Security, who reported that as of right now the state has 33 presumptive cases, which are waiting for confirmation by the CDC as to whether they have coronavirus.
Sabine Medical Center stated that they are ready for the virus. They have already limited visitation for clients. They did have one request, and that is if you are coming to the emergency room with a possible case, to simply call ahead so they can be prepared for your arrival.
Superintendent Sara Ebarb of the Sabine Parish school system stated that closures are not yet deemed necessary, but she has been on calls with the state school system about them. The situation is sensitive due to children not being the most at risk but can definitely serve as a carrier of the virus. As this story was being prepared, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that all schools will be closed effective March 16 and resume on April 13.
Judge Stephen Beasley gave an update by the state judicial system and stated that he plans to shut down most of the functions of his staff, but the core functions of the office will still be available, as will he.
District Attorney Don Burkett is initiating a policy at his office and restricting entrance
Sabine Parish Sheriff’ Ronny Richardson has suspended visitation and are constantly evaluating procedures as to the law’s response to the issue.
It is worth note that we are in the early stages of the response as a whole, and that updates should continually be available. We at the Index will do our best to get them to the public as quickly as possible.