Although vaccinations are increasing in Washington Parish, it was among the three worst parishes in Louisiana in terms of the number of COVID cases last week in relation to population.
The worst is Terrebonne Parish, where there have been 195 cases per 100,000 population. Next is Winn Parish with 188 cases per 100,000 population. Third worst in the state is Washington Parish with 161 cases per 100,000 population during last week.
None of those three parishes have 100,000 population. It’s just a form of expressing the percentage for a statewide comparison. In perhaps a better example, Washington Parish would have 16.1 cases per 10,000 population. The actual number for the past week is 22 cases.
The figures are compiled by the Louisiana Department of Health. Factors contributing to Washington Parish’s high case percentage include the parish’s low vaccination rate of 31% fully vaccinated. (The statewide average in Louisiana is 45% --- so Washington Parish’s vaccination rate is running a full 14% behind the state average.)
Health officials continue to point out that Washington Parish can improve its percentages with more people getting vaccinated and more people wearing masks.
As cases increase, officials are attempting to avoid situations that might cause transmission of the virus. In example, the Washington Parish Council is switching to virtual meetings, rather than actual meetings.
Other organizations are also doing this, and most trials and other functions of the 22nd Judicial District have been postponed until a later date.
Gov. John Bel Edwards on a statewide basis and Parish President Richard N. Thomas and Franklinton Mayor Greg Route on a local basis are urging everyone to get vaccinated and to wear masks indoors, as well as practicing social distancing and safety measures.
