Only five new cases of COVID in Avoyelles over the weekend

It now appears to be safe to say Avoyelles Parish can stop worrying about the "fourth wave" of COVID. The weekend update from the Louisiana Department of Health reviewed 601 COVID tests with only five positive results. There were no additional COVID-related deaths in the three-day report.

Of those tests, 542 lab tests had only two positive results and there were only three infections diagnosed in the 59 rapid result tests.

Despite those encouraging numbers, the war with COVID has not yet been declared won.

"With the fourth wave coming to a painful end, we hope to avoid a fifth wave by vaccinating everyone who is eligible," Office of Public Health Region 6 Administrator Dr. David Holcombe said.

The "Shot for 100" vaccination incentive program, which gives $100 credit card to those receiving their first COVID vaccination at a community "pop-up" event, will continue through Oct. 30. There are five of those in Avoyelles this week. On Monday the National Guard drive-thru at the Health Unit in Marksville is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m. Avoyelles Sleeves Up is sponsoring an event at Fresh Catch Bistreaux/Broken Wheel Brewery in Marksville. On Friday Avoyelles Sleeves Up and the National Guard will be at Marksville High from 8-10 a.m., at Effie Fire Station from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and at the 5th Ward Community Center from 1-3 p.m.

"Walk-in" immunizations are also available weekdays at the health unit from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and at several other providers around the parish, but those receiving vaccinations at those locations are not eligible for the $100 incentive.

As of Monday, Avoyelles' pandemic totals are 7,041 cases and 177 deaths. Statewide there have been 752,951 cases of COVID resulting in 14,350 deaths.