We are continuing our response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, and I hope each one of you is doing well.
Today, I am asking for your continued help in urging residents to stay home, and if they must go out, please remember the recommendations of medical experts to use social distancing. In addition, please remind residents that those who choose large gatherings over social distancing could be unnecessarily undermining the health and wellness of themselves as well as our neighbors.
These recommendations are contrary to our human nature as we especially here in Louisiana—gather as often as we can, with as many people as we can. We understand this is difficult, and we are providing as many resources as we can to help people get through this. Please share with everyone these resources. Here’s a
link to our discussion
with Nick Richard from NAMI, St. Tammany on how we can all cope with this unprecedented situation. We also spoke with District Attorney Warren Montgomery about 22nd JDC operations, which viewers can see
here
. Our entire COVID-19 video playlist can be accessed
here
.
We have received questions on the closure of the Tammany Trace. In view of the fact that we have pleaded to the public and have asked our employees, including the trace rangers, to honor the Stay-At-Home declaration as the coronavirus continues to spread in our communities, we have closed our parks, playgrounds, and the Tammany Trace. Please let residents know that should citizens choose to use the Trace for the next couple of weeks, there will be no presence of rangers for their security or to aid them, if needed. Additionally, the drawbridge near Lacombe remains in the upright position to accommodate boat traffic per the Coast Guard.
Our primary goal is working together to keep all of our citizens safe. The decisions we make are based on the advice from experts, coupled with this ultimate goal. The sooner we change our mindset and the behavior that can spread COVID-19, the sooner we will return to normalcy.
The patience, understanding and cooperation from all of you, and the people in our community at this time as we deal with this public health crisis is greatly appreciated. Thank you.