Thursday COVID update for Avoyelles: 2 cases in 176 tests

Thursday was an example of what is becoming the "typical" post-wave COVID update for Avoyelles Parish -- a few new cases, no deaths, in 100-300 tests.

This version of the typical report reviewed 176 test with two positive results.

As of Thursday, the 20-month totals for Avoyelles Parish were 7,366 cases and 181 deaths. The state totals were 766,849 with 14,735 deaths.

Some national pandemic experts are saying it may be time to stop using the term "wave" when referring to a spike in COVID cases. The virus is no longer an "illegal alien" but a "resident immigrant." It is part of the landscape and will likely be just another virus, able to be managed with vaccinations to prevent and -- on the near horizon -- medicines to treat the malady.

Other experts contend the "fifth wave" is currently crashing ashore in Michigan while news from Europe is also indicative of a COVID resurgence. The question is whether the trend seen in the cold weather communities experiencing the would-be "fifth wave" will show up when winter weather finally shows up in Avoyelles?