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St. Tammany Parish Government COVID-19 Operational Updates

St. Tammany Parish Government COVID-19 Operational Updates

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the extension of his Stay At Home Order through April 30, 2020. Parish Government will continue to operate remotely to best serve its employees and its citizens. The extension includes additional provisions essential stores and retail establishments must do to ensure safety as they continue to operate including: provide hand sanitizer and/or sanitizer wipes to all customers at entrances and exits; provide markings on the floor at registers indicating six-foot distances between customers waiting to checkout; instruct customers to maintain a distance of six feet from one another at all times; and restrict group shopping with a few noted exceptions.
 
“This pandemic has impacted us in so many ways. I cannot emphasize enough how critical these next two weeks are in order to slow the spread of this virus. That’s why we’ve again chosen to lead by example, extend our Order, and ask our employees to continue to work remotely,” Cooper said. “We want to get on the road to recovery, and if we stick to our mission to stop the spread, we will see this road open up sooner than later.”
 
The extension of the Stay At Home Order continues closures already in place including the Kids Konnection Playground, Camp Salmen Nature Park, the St. Tammany Fishing Pier, the Tammany Trace, and Northshore Beach.  The Lacombe draw bridge on the Tammany Trace will remain in the upright position for the duration of the closure, to allow marine vessels to get through. All Parish Government buildings remain closed to the public. Non-emergency intakes have been suspended at the Department of Animal Services, and Animal Control Officers will answer emergency calls only. 
 
St. Tammany Parish Government’s Access St. Tammany STPG-TV is broadcasting a COVID-19 Dashboard with up-to-the-minute information from St. Tammany Parish Government, the Louisiana’s Governor’s Office, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the CDC. Viewers can watch it on Charter at Channel 710, or on AT&T U-Verse, Channel 99, menu item Access St. Tammany. It is also live-streamed here. Here’s a link to our YouTube Channel COVID-19 Playlist. Find additional COVID-19 information at www.stpgov.org/covid19.
 

 

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 St. Tammany Parish Extended Stay At Home Order issued April 7, 2020
St. Tammany Parish Executive Stay At Home Order issued March 23, 2020
Emergency Declaration issued March 17, 2020
Emergency Declaration issued March 13, 2020
 
COVID-19 Links
St. Tammany Parish Government
CDC
Office of Governor John Bel Edwards
Louisiana Department of Health

 

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St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Update April 3, 2020

St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Update April 3, 2020

St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Update April 3, 2020

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper urges residents to continue to comply with the Governor's Stay At Home order, now extended through April 30, 2020, as well as St. Tammany’s Emergency Declaration, and Stay At Home Order, as positive cases and deaths in St. Tammany continue to increase. St. Tammany Parish has seen an increase in confirmed positive cases from 111 one week ago, Friday, March 27, 2020, to 435 today, April 3, 2020. The number of COVID-19 deaths in St. Tammany has risen to 10. 

“I want to offer my sincere condolences to all of the families who have lost loved ones to this virus. I know staying at home and physically distancing from one another is hard for us to do when the sun’s shining, we all have electricity, and our roads are passable—unlike a hurricane when we can see the threat,” said Parish President Cooper. “The threat of COVID-19 is invisible — but it’s just as real. I’m asking everyone to show respect for each other and for our first responders, and respect the Stay At Home order. Using these resources to remind people of something they already know is wasteful”

In addition, Parish President Cooper thanked the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for working to address reports of large groups on the waterways through beefing up patrols, and having deputies from the Marine Division out in full force. He also commended all of the municipalities for actively enforcing the Emergency Declaration and the Stay At Home Order.

He asked residents who have underlying medical conditions to stay in, as they may be more vulnerable to COVID-19. He suggested residents shop safely, sending one shopper per household, using one cart, and making one trip per week for essentials. He reminded residents of the 24-hour Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline from the Louisiana Department of Health, urging residents to use it if they feel overwhelmed.

For accurate updates, visit www.stpgov.org/covid19.

 

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St. Tammany Parish Executive Stay At Home Order issued March 23, 2020

Emergency Declaration issued March 17, 2020

Emergency Declaration issued March 13, 2020

 

COVID-19 Links

St. Tammany Parish Government

Office of Governor John Bel Edwards

coronavirus.la.gov

ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus -Daily Updates by Parish 
www.coronavirus.gov

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St. Tammany Parish Government COVID-19 Operational Updates

St. Tammany Parish Government COVID-19 Operational Updates

St. Tammany Parish Government COVID-19 Operational Updates 

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the decision to take additional measures to more closely adhere to Stay-At-Home orders. All St. Tammany Parish Government employees who are able to work remotely, will do so starting Monday, March 30, 2020.

“Plans that we put in place are now being fully implemented to protect our employees, while maintaining Parish Government operations,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “We want to keep our employees and their families healthy, and utilize the remote options we have at this time.” 

St. Tammany Parish Government has deployed nearly 100 laptops to employees over the past three weeks, enabling this transition. St. Tammany Parish Government operations will continue, with Tammany Utilities and Public Works Crews prepared to respond to immediate needs. Building code and drainage inspections will see a suspension during this time. Litter Abatement crews will continue to stand down. The Tammany Trace will close effective Monday, March 30, 2020. The Lacombe draw bridge will remain in the upright position for the duration of the closure, to allow marine vessels to get through. The Kids Konnection Playground, the St. Tammany Fishing Pier, Camp Salmen Nature Park, and Northshore Beach remain closed.

St. Tammany Parish Government’s Access St. Tammany STPG-TV is broadcasting a COVID-19 Dashboard with up-to-the-minute information from St. Tammany Parish Government, the Louisiana’s Governor’s Office, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the CDC. Viewers can watch it on Charter at Channel 710, or on AT&T U-Verse, Channel 99, menu item Access St. Tammany. It is also live-streamed here. Find additional COVID-19 information at www.stpgov.org/covid19.

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St. Tammany Parish Government Holds Virtual Press Conference

St. Tammany Parish Government Holds Virtual Press Conference

St. Tammany Parish Government Holds Virtual Press Conference With Telephone Interaction

St. Tammany Parish President, Mike Cooper, invited the media to join him by telephone today for a media briefing in an effort to update residents about the COVID-19 situation in St. Tammany Parish, while adhering to social distancing recommendations.

“We are doing our best to limit not only our exposure, but also to limit the exposure of the media who also have a job to do,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “We felt like this was a good way to share what needs to be shared, while keeping our citizens as informed as possible with regular updates.”

In today’s update, President Cooper assured the public he has spoken with grocery store owners, as well as wholesalers, who have assured him that the supply chain is intact. He urged residents to adhere to the CDC’s guidelines of purchasing only a one-week supply of groceries during this time.

He reminded residents that today began the closure of Parish Government buildings to the public including: the Koop Drive campus, the Tyler Street Complex, the Towers Building, and the Courthouse Annex. The St. Tammany Parish Justice Center has limited access for the public with the exception of emergency courts, the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office, and the Clerk of Court. He also reminded residents that the Kids Konnection Playground and Camp Salmen Nature Park are closed until further notice.

He recapped portions of the Governor’s announcement that the Louisiana Workforce Commission has relaxed some requirements for obtaining unemployment benefits, and the Governor has requested assistance from SBA for all 64 Parishes in the State.

President Cooper asked that residents continue to be part of the community response by helping their neighbors who may need assistance, following best practices for prevention, and doing their part to flatten the curve as we work to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Continued updates are available at www.stpgov.org. Watch the briefing here.

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St. Tammany Parish Government Shares COVID-19 Updates

St. Tammany Parish Government Shares COVID-19 Updates

St. Tammany Parish Government Shares COVID-19 Updates

Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President, and Clarence Powe, Director of the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, held a news briefing to discuss closure updates that will affect the public beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, St. Tammany Parish Government buildings including the Koop Drive Campus, and the Tyler Street Complex will be completely closed to the general public. The Department of Animal Services will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 including no animal intakes or adoptions. Fosters who need supplies or vaccines should call Animal Services at 985-809-0183, and they will arrange an appointment. The St. Tammany Parish Justice Center is closed to the public with the exception of emergency courts, the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office, and the Clerk of Court. The Towers Building will be closed to the public completely, beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020. All public meetings are postponed pursuant to Parish Government’s Emergency Declaration. Officials are asking that all other Parish business be done online or by phone. Camp Salmen Nature Park and the Kids Konnection Playground are closed. Parish officials are working closely with St. Tammany Corp. to determine what economic needs the Parish will face and what resources can be available moving forward. St. Tammany Parish Government remains activated at Emergency Operations level.

“We know there will be a definite impact to our local business community, and we will work with economic organizations to minimize that impact,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish Government. “I will continue to work with State and Federal officials to get these much-needed resources for our business community.”

Parish Officials also announced several closures from other municipalities, as well as other agencies in St. Tammany Parish, all of which are listed at www.stpgov.org. 

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St. Tammany Parish Government Implements Operational Changes Amid COVID-19

St. Tammany Parish Government Implements Operational Changes Amid COVID-19

St. Tammany Parish Government Implements Operational Changes Amid COVID-19  

Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President announced the following updates regarding COVID-19:
 
“Our number one priority is the safety, health and welfare of our citizens,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “Parish Government is currently activated at our Emergency Operations level while continuing to maintain essential services at this time. Things may change depending on the severity of the situation, and as new information is obtained.”
 
• State of Emergency declaration made Friday, March 13, 2020.

•Parish Government Employees are being screened to assess any risk factors that may preclude them from coming into work. Reduced work force was implemented, Friday, March 13, 2020.

•The Permits Department is asking residents to handle permit transactions online.

• Tammany Utilities is accepting payments through a drop box. There will be no disconnections for non-payment until further notice.

•The Department of Animal Services has limited adoption and take-in hours to between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteers are asked to refrain from coming in to Animal Services until further notice.

• They are asking animal Fosters to call and make an appointment for vaccines or supply needs.  
         
•Animal Control Officers will respond to emergency calls only.

•The Kids Konnection Playground on Koop Drive is closed.

•Parish buildings are being sanitized multiple times each day.

•STAR Transit will reduce rides to accommodate only essential transports; work or essential medical appointments. STAR Transit will not transport residents exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

• St. Tammany Parish Public Schools announced beginning Wednesday, March 18, schools will offer “Grab and Go” hot lunch and prepackaged breakfast distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on weekdays at their eight high schools. 

•The Governor has announced the ban of gatherings of more than 50 people. He has also closed casinos, bars and movie theaters and limited restaurants to delivery, take-out and drive through only.

•The changes take effect at midnight and may be lifted April 13.

•We are going to comply with the Governor’s orders, and in addition, we are going to close skating rinks, bowling alleys and adhere to the other closures in St. Tammany.
 
Updates are continually released at www.stpgov.org and on Social Media. We want to slow the spread of the virus by prevention. We are asking all citizens to continue to monitor local information about COVID-19 in our community. Adhere to current CDC recommendations. Help Prevent the Spread.  Be a part of the community response.
 

Cover your cough, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or with a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Avoid close contact (within six feet) with those who are sick. Citizens looking for information about COVID-19 can dial 211 or text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available. For updates on the state’s response to the coronavirus situation, visit LDH.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus.

Additional resources are also available from the CDC at www.coronavirus.gov.
 

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St. Tammany Parish Leaders Hold Press Conference to Discuss COVID-19 Response

St. Tammany Parish Leaders Hold Press Conference to Discuss COVID-19 Response

St. Tammany Parish Leaders Hold Press Conference to Discuss COVID-19 Response

Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President was joined by leaders from agencies around St. Tammany, to discuss the Parish’s emergency response. Cooper has declared a State of Emergency in St. Tammany Parish, initiated a reduced work force, asked residents to adhere to the Governor’s declaration and to avoid large crowds. He has asked recreational districts to postpone scheduled activities for the next four weeks, and assured residents that Tammany Utilities, the Parish-owned utility company, will restore water service to any resident who has been shut off, and they will refrain from shutting water off for the coming weeks until this emergency is over. In addition, starting Monday, March 16, 2020, Animal Services will limit the intake of stray animals and pet adoptions to the hours of 9am to 12pm daily.

“This is an unprecedented situation. Our primary concern is health, safety and welfare of our citizens business owners and visitors,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “We want our residents to be a part of the community response required to slow the spread of this virus.”

St. Tammany Parish Public School Superintendent Trey Folse addressed the Governor’s proclamation regarding school closures for the next four weeks, stressing the importance of taking the proper time to evaluate the situation, review the Governor’s proclamation, and work with BESE to make the best decisions for our St. Tammany community.

“It is really important to me that we find a way to feed students — many of them rely on our cafeteria meals, so we’re working on that,” Folse said. “We will need some additional guidance from the Department of Education on what distance learning will look like. We want to make the best decisions for everyone while at the same time being considerate of what a hardship this may be for many of our parents.”

Fire District #1 Chief Chris Kaufmann stressed the importance of residents being forthcoming with first responders with regards to any symptoms they may be experiencing when they call 9-1-1, so that first responders can dispatch the appropriate responding agency, and the appropriate number of responders, so that they limit their exposure to COVID-19, and are able to continue to serve the public.

For complete details and updates, visit www.stpgov.org . See the press conference in its entirety here.

 

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St. Tammany Fishing Pier Opens for Spring Sunday, March 1, 2020

St. Tammany Fishing Pier Opens for Spring Sunday, March 1, 2020

St. Tammany Fishing Pier Opens for Spring Sunday, March 1, 2020

Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President, announces the St. Tammany Fishing Pier spring season begins Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 7 a.m. The Pier will open seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 6p.m.

“We are happy to reopen the Pier for spring, and welcome everyone back,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “The Pier is a great family-friendly asset to St. Tammany and we hope Pier patrons reel in some big ones this season.”

Pier personnel will have a periodic presence. As stated in the rules governing the use of the Pier in the St. Tammany Parish Code of Ordinances, public use of the Pier is, and always has been, at the patrons' own risk. The St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will have a proactive presence in the area. Because the Pier is seasonal, hours may be adjusted going forward. To see the complete rules when using the St. Tammany Fishing Pier, click here.

The Pier is located at 54001 E. Howze Beach Rd. in the Slidell area.

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The St. Tammany Fishing Pier is a testament to the resilience of the citizens of St. Tammany Parish. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the original I-10 Twinspans, the Parish worked cooperatively with other agencies to repurpose the structure for public use. After securing funding through local, state and federal sources, the 650 foot pier was opened to the public in June of 2012, making history as the first public fishing pier in the region since the 1960s.

 

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St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture in Advance of Predicted Crest of the Pearl River

St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture in Advance of Predicted Crest of the Pearl River

St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture in Advance of Predicted Crest of the Pearl River

St. Tammany Parish Government officials and emergency operations personnel continue to monitor any potential impacts of the National Weather Service’s (NWS) current prediction of the anticipated continued rise of the Pearl River at Pearl River to near 19.0 feet (Major Flood Stage) by Wednesday, February 26, 2020.The National Weather Service is anticipating the threat of moderate flooding along the lower portions of the West Pearl River, as well as areas south of I-10 and East of Military Road.

Parish Government is following its emergency preparedness planning. Self-service sandbag locations will open Thursday, February 20, 2020 and Friday, February 21, 2020, after 7 a.m. in the Slidell area at the Fritchie Barn located at 63119 Hwy. 1090, Pearl River; and 34783 Grantham College Drive, Slidell. Sand and bags will be provided for residents to fill. Residents should bring shovels, and be prepared to fill and load the sandbags.

“St. Tammany Parish Government and our Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is in continual communication with the NWS, and we are prepared for the potential impacts from the crest of the river,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish President. “We urge residents in these areas to prepare for the possibility of riverine flooding, and to stay tuned to local media for the latest advisories and updates.”

Public Works and Tammany Utilities personnel are on stand-by, out of an abundance of caution. Partner agencies have been contacted and are ready to assist residents should the need arise. In addition, our engineers are monitoring river gauges. Parish Government remains prepared in the event predictions change to indicate worsening.

Parish Government will announce any emergency preparedness information to the public, contingent on the forecast, through the local media, our website, and through social media on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

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St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed for Mardi Gras

St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed for Mardi Gras

All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Monday, February 24, 2020, and Tuesday, February 25, 2020, for Mardi Gras. In addition the Department of Animal Services is closed Saturday, February 22, 2020. Business hours resume on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 8 a.m.
 
Have a safe and Happy Mardi Gras!

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    985.898.2700

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