7/22/2020 From: LDH Records Center Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 1:22 PM To: AO Records Subject: [Records Center] Public Records Request :: P000941-050820 EXTERNAL SENDER --- Please respond above this line --- LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH John Bel Edwards GOVERNOR &,tatJ Louisiana Bur July 21, 2020 Austin Evers 1030 15th Street NW Suite B255 Washington  DC 20005 RE: Public Records Request of May 08, 2020, Reference # P000941-050820. AMI HICAN p ERSIGHT https://outlook.office365.com/mail/search/id/AAQkAGJmZjIxNGNhLTM3ZDAtNDFkNy1hZjNjLTVhN2Y1ODc1NWFkNAAQAC%2F7iTl1dtdIpAO1uL6TDrU%3D 1/2 7/22/2020 Dear Austin Evers, The Louisiana Department of Health received a records request from you on May 08, 2020. Your request mentioned: “Please see attached (LA-DOH-20-1206). The attached also contains the justification for our fee waiver request.” The Department has reviewed its files and has located responsive records to your request. Please log in to the LDH Records Center at the following link to retrieve the appropriate responsive documents. Public Records Request - P000941-050820 If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this further, please contact me. Sincerely, Michael Coleman Louisiana Department of Health To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the Records Center Go vQ\ AMLHICAN PVERSIGHT https://outlook.office365.com/mail/search/id/AAQkAGJmZjIxNGNhLTM3ZDAtNDFkNy1hZjNjLTVhN2Y1ODc1NWFkNAAQAC%2F7iTl1dtdIpAO1uL6TDrU%3D 2/2 From: Sent: To: Subject: Tonya Joiner Mon, 9 Mar 2020 00:22:53 +0000 Adam Eitmann Accepted: Committee meeting prep COVID-19 preparedness and response AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000001 Page 1 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:09:59 +0000 Adam Eitmann call re: coronavirus financing Can you chat with us at some point today? I saw you cancelled our meeting… Need to chat about the money piece to prep for those questions tomorrow. Lauren Gilder Gleason, MPA Director of Legislative & Governmental Relations 628 N. Fourth Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.342.5274 (office) 225.964.1789 (cell) 0 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000002 Page 2 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Mon, 9 Mar 2020 20:02:05 -0500 To: Casey Tingle;Shauna Sanford;Alexander Billioux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Mark Cooper;Tonya Joiner;Gov-conference Rm 4;Stephen Russo;Chancely Courson;Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;James Waskom;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Michelle Miley Subject: Canceled: Committee meeting prep COVID-19 preparedness and response Walk through/discussion of committee meetings taking place Wed March 11th regarding Coronavirus preparedness and response. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000003 Page 3 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Sun, 8 Mar 2020 18:51:36 +0000 To: Adam Eitmann;Casey Tingle;Shauna Sanford;Alexander Billioux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Mark Cooper;Tonya Joiner;Gov-conference Rm 4;Stephen Russo;Chancely Courson;Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;James Waskom;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Michelle Miley Subject: Canceled: Committee meeting prep COVID-19 preparedness and response Walk through/discussion of committee meetings taking place Wed March 11th regarding Coronavirus preparedness and response. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000004 Page 4 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Sun, 8 Mar 2020 18:51:36 +0000 To: Adam Eitmann;Casey Tingle;Shauna Sanford;Alexander Billioux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Mark Cooper;Tonya Joiner;Gov-conference Rm 4;Stephen Russo;Chancely Courson;Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;James Waskom;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Michelle Miley Subject: Canceled: Committee meeting prep COVID-19 preparedness and response Walk through/discussion of committee meetings taking place Wed March 11th regarding Coronavirus preparedness and response. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000005 Page 5 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Sun, 8 Mar 2020 18:51:36 +0000 To: Adam Eitmann;Casey Tingle;Shauna Sanford;Alexander Billioux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Mark Cooper;Tonya Joiner;Gov-conference Rm 4;Stephen Russo;Chancely Courson;Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;James Waskom;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Michelle Miley Subject: Canceled: Committee meeting prep COVID-19 preparedness and response Walk through/discussion of committee meetings taking place Wed March 11th regarding Coronavirus preparedness and response. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000006 Page 6 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Lisa Smith Vosper Sent: Tue, 10 Mar 2020 04:45:07 +0000 To: Lisa Smith Vosper;Dr. Lisa S. Vosper;Dr. Rene Cintron;LCTCS - Sullivan, Monty (montysullivan@lctcs.edu);Susana Schowen;Anna Osland;Terri Ricks;Lorrie Briggs;Alison Ocmand;Kim Reed (laregents.edu);Adren Wilson;Ken Bradford;Ava Dejoie;'ULL - Joe Savoie';Jackson Wright;Emily Skaikay (laregents.edu);Stephen R Barnes;Tina Stefanski;Natalie Harder;Sarah Berthelot;Janel Young;Kelly Greene;Jermaine Ford;Vincent June (Vincent.June@solacc.edu);Sonya Williams;Andrea Buttross;Andrea Buttross;Rhett Covington;Josh Fertitta;Monica Brown;jaimie hebert;Melissa T Francis;Harlen Henegar;Katheryne Pavey;katie.barras@ulsystem.edu;Jeanie Donovan;Myron Berzas;Carlee Alm-LaBar;David Timoll;Latonya Johnson;Virginia LeCompte;Chris Roy;Shelly V Constantin;admin@casaofsola.org;Melissa Thompson;Chaunda Mitchell Subject: Canceled: NGA State and Regional Team Working Lunch Meeting Importance: High EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Partners, In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping our nation and state, we are canceling the IN-PERSON lunch meeting planned for next Monday and moving to a Virtual Meeting format. We will focus the Monday afternoon 2:00 pm eMeeting on Goal 5 (211 expansion). You will receive the Zoom information in the calendar invite update. _________________________________________________________________ Partners and Friends, THANK YOU for a VERY PRODUCTIVE meeting today. Please protect March 23rd for our next workingg lunch meeting. In the coming days, I will send out the updates from our discussion today. Partners who "received grace", please send your updates and information, hopefully before noon Friday, and I will get the updated information the team. _________________________________________________________________ A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000007 Page 7 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:44:49 +0000 Lauren Gleason (LDH);Adam Eitmann Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop);Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Lauren and Adam, I am starting to get a lot of communications from residents of my District regarding Caronavirus. Specifically, they are asking if Louisiana is prepared to handle. The last thing I want to see is widespread panic from the public, but naturally, they are right to be concerned. Can you please share any preparedness plans? Also, is there any proactive public relations campaign taking place advising residents how to potentially prevent spread of the virus? Any information you can share would be helpful. Thanks, Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000008 Page 8 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 12:54:31 -0600 To: Tonya Joiner;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo Subject: CODEL Call Prep Here is the call-in info for our internal call. Telephone: Dial: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 _______________ From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:49 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I agree with Christina and maybe a quick prep call in advance. We will circle internally and have coordinate documents for dissemination. Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH ., You • From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000009 Page 9 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000010 Page 10 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000011 Page 11 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000012 Page 12 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 18:54:32 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Tonya Joiner;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo Subject: CODEL Call Prep Here is the call-in info for our internal call. Telephone: Dial: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 _______________ From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:49 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I agree with Christina and maybe a quick prep call in advance. We will circle internally and have coordinate documents for dissemination. Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH ., You • From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000013 Page 13 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000014 Page 14 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000015 Page 15 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000016 Page 16 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 18:54:32 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Tonya Joiner;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo Subject: CODEL Call Prep Here is the call-in info for our internal call. Telephone: Dial: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 _______________ From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:49 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I agree with Christina and maybe a quick prep call in advance. We will circle internally and have coordinate documents for dissemination. Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH ., You • From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000017 Page 17 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000018 Page 18 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000019 Page 19 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000020 Page 20 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 18:54:32 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Tonya Joiner;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo Subject: CODEL Call Prep Here is the call-in info for our internal call. Telephone: Dial: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 _______________ From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:49 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I agree with Christina and maybe a quick prep call in advance. We will circle internally and have coordinate documents for dissemination. Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH ., You • From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000021 Page 21 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000022 Page 22 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000023 Page 23 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000024 Page 24 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Sun, 8 Mar 2020 13:51:35 -0500 To: Gov-conference Rm 4;Tina Vanichchagorn;Matthew Block;Mark Cooper;Shauna Sanford;Christina Stephens;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Stephen Russo;Aly Neel;Casey Tingle;Chancely Courson Subject: Committee meeting prep COVID-19 preparedness and response Walk through/discussion of committee meetings taking place Wed March 11th regarding Coronavirus preparedness and response. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000025 Page 25 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Sun, 8 Mar 2020 18:51:36 +0000 To: Adam Eitmann;Gov-conference Rm 4;Tina Vanichchagorn;Matthew Block;Mark Cooper;Shauna Sanford;Christina Stephens;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Stephen Russo;Aly Neel;Casey Tingle;Chancely Courson Subject: Committee meeting prep COVID-19 preparedness and response Walk through/discussion of committee meetings taking place Wed March 11th regarding Coronavirus preparedness and response. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000026 Page 26 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:33:24 +0000 Adam Eitmann coronavirus PPT COVID-19 PowerPoint_SHW 3'11'20.pptx FYI – the attached is what we are presenting at SHW at 10:00 am and then later at HHW at 1:00 pm. Thanks Lauren Gilder Gleason, MPA Director of Legislative & Governmental Relations 628 N. Fourth Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.342.5274 (office) 225.964.1789 (cell) 0 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000027 Page 27 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH Update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Senate Committee on Health & Welfare March 11, 2020 I IVILhlvt \I pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000028 Page 28 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some  causing illness in people and others that circulate  among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely,  animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and  then spread between people such as has been seen with  recent outbreaks of MERS and SARS.  VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000029 Page 29 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 While the CDC now expects community spread in  some parts of the United States, the immediate threat  to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same  level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it  is important to be prepared. Mirroring the federal approach, we are moving from a  containment approach to a mitigation approach. LDH remains in constant contact with the CDC to  ensure that we all have the latest data, are on the same  page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000030 Page 30 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health As of 3/10/20, we have conducted 43 tests of Persons Under  Investigation (PUI) and, only 6 have been identified as  presumptive positive in Louisiana. Cases in  Louisiana The recent testing by the state laboratory run by LDH’s Office of  Public Health includes samples from people who went to their  doctor or to a hospital and had symptoms consistent with COVID19.  Because of patient privacy laws, LDH  cannot provide any  information that might identify these patients. This includes  name, residence of patient, place of treatment, or any other  potentially identifying patient information. /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000031 Page 31 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Disease  Description What are the symptoms? Is their a vaccine or cure? For confirmed coronavirus  infections, reported illnesses have  ranged from infected people with  little to no symptoms (similar to  the common cold) to people being  severely ill and dying. Symptoms  can include:  No.  Fever There is no specific antiviral  treatment recommended for this  infection at this time. People infected with COVID-19  receive supportive care to help  relieve symptoms. Cough Shortness of breath/difficulty  breathing /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000032 Page 32 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health How does novel coronavirus  spread? Disease  Description VERSIGHT Health experts are still learning the  details about how this new  coronavirus spreads. Other  coronaviruses spread from an  infected person to others through: Respiratory droplets produced  when coughing and sneezing Close personal contact Touching an object or surface  with the virus on it, then  touching your mouth, nose, or  eyes What you can do? Anyone who recently traveled to  China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea,  who experiences fever, cough, or other  acute illness should contact a health  care provider as soon as possible and  mention your recent travel. Please call  ahead and inform the health care  provider about your travel history. Take steps to avoid spreading germs  from any respiratory diseases by: Covering your cough Staying home if you are sick Washing your hands LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000033 Page 33 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Close contact is defined as: a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case  for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while  caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area  or room with a COVID-19 case – or – Key Terms b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19  case (e.g., being coughed on) Self-monitoring means people should monitor themselves for fever by  taking their temperatures twice a day and remain alert for cough or  difficulty breathing. If they feel feverish or develop measured fever, cough  or difficulty breathing during the self-monitoring period, they should selfisolate, limit contact with others and seek advice by telephone from a  healthcare provider or their local health department to determine  whether medical evaluation is needed. /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000034 Page 34 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Key Terms • Quarantine in general means the separation of a person or group  of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a  communicable disease but not yet symptomatic, from others who  have not been so exposed, to prevent the possible spread of the  communicable disease.  • Isolation means the separation of a person or group of people  known or reasonably believed to be infected with a communicable  disease and potentially infectious from those who are not infected  to prevent spread of the communicable disease. Isolation for  public health purposes may be voluntary or compelled by federal,  state or local public health order. /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000035 Page 35 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health What The  Public Should  Do What You Should Do: What You Should Not Do: Avoid close contact with people who are  sick. Do not travel to China, Italy, South Korea,  or Iran. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth  with unwashed hands. Do not use facemasks. Wash your hands often with soap and water  for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based  hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%  alcohol if soap and water are not available. Limit contact with others as much as  possible. Stay home when you are sick. CDC does not recommend the use of  facemasks for the general public to  prevent the spread of COVID-19 Do not show prejudice to people of Asian  descent, because of fear of this new virus.  Do not assume that someone of Asian  descent is more likely to have COVID-19. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue  when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching  your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent  spreading germs. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that  may be contaminated. HT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000036 Page 36 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Staying in contact with the CDC, as well as other local and  national partners to share information. State  Response  Activities Sending information to health care providers around the state  with current recommendations for screening and testing for  COVID-19, as well as to EMS providers regarding proper  protection procedures. Holding frequent calls with staff to remain apprised of the latest  updates. Sharing messaging with partners and the public as it becomes  available. This is an evolving situation, so information and  recommendations are likely to change. We will continue to  learn and share new information as it is available. /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000037 Page 37 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health February 28th – Coronavirus Task Force formed March 2nd – Governor held UCG  State  Response  Activities Guidance  ØLong term care facilities ØHospitals ØBusinesses ØSchools ØFaith based & other community groups /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000038 Page 38 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Risk Level High • Medium  (assumes no exposures in  the high-risk category) • • Low (assumes no exposures in  the high-risk category) No identifiable risk Geographic (Travel-associated)  Exposures* Exposures Identified through Contact Investigation Travel from Hubei Province, China Living in the same household as, being an intimate partner of, or  providing care in a non-healthcare setting (such as a home) for a person  with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection without using recommended precautions for home care and home isolation  Travel from mainland China outside  Hubei Province or Iran  Travel from a country with widespread  sustained transmission, other than   China or Iran Travel from a country with sustained  community transmission  Travel from any other country Not applicable Close contact with a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID19 On an aircraft, being seated within 6 feet (two meters) of a traveler with  symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection; this distance  correlates approximately with 2 seats in each direction Living in the same household as, an intimate partner of, or caring for a person  in a nonhealthcare setting (such as a home) to a person with symptomatic  laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection while consistently using recommended precautions for home care and home isolation Being in the same indoor environment (e.g., a classroom, a hospital  waiting room) as a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed  COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time but not meeting the definition  of close contact Interactions with a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed  COVID-19 infection that do not meet any of the high-, medium- or lowrisk conditions above, such as walking by the person or being briefly in  LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000039 the same room. Page 39 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Who should be tested? Testing If you develop a fever and  symptoms of respiratory illness,  such as cough or shortness of  breath, within 14 days after  travel from China, Italy, Iran,  South Korea, and Japan. If you exhibit symptoms and  care for someone with  respiratory illness who tests  negative for flu or other illnesses. Call ahead to your healthcare  provider and mention your  recent travel or close contact. As of March 10, 2020, we have  completed 43 tests, 6 of which  have turned out positive.  We are awaiting testing from  the CDC to confirm each result. CDC does not recommend  testing, symptom monitoring, or  special management for people  exposed to asymptomatic people  with potential exposures to SARS -CoV-2 (such as in a household),  i.e., “contacts of contacts;”  these people are not  considered exposed. /\IVILnlv/\1'\J pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000040 Page 40 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health OPH Coronavirus Hotline: 1-855-523-2652 The number is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday Coronavirus  Resources Louisiana Department of Health: http://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus CDC Coronavirus Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/index.html LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000041 Page 41 of 483 HEALTH Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Importance: Tonya Joiner Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:27:23 +0000 Matthew Block;Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens Adam Eitmann;Stephen Russo;Aly Neel COVID - HIGH PRIORITY - LDH Provider Notice - Restrictions on Visitation Scanned from a Xerox Multifunction Printer.pdf High Hi all: Please see the attached Notice on Restrictions on Visitation for all Facilities that receive visitors. 1. Health Standards, will blast fax to all licensed providers, beginning in about 15 minutes unless you advise otherwise 2. BMAC will post on our website and send out news release (forthcoming for comms team approval) 3. We will notify LNHA, LHA, and other relevant associations Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIAN ~ DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH You • VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000042 Page 42 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health John Bel Edwards Stephen R. Russo, JD GOVERNOR INTERIM SECRETARY 6tatt of l.outstana Louisiana Department of Health HEALTHCARE FACILITY NOTICE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO: All Licensed Health Care Facilities in Louisiana FROM: LOH Office of Public Health Jimmy Guidry, State Health Officer LOH Health Standards Cecile Castello, Deputy Assistant Secretary C!.A;_,_. .,,,, ~-t...u..<.... ~ J.... RE: Visitor Restriction DATE: March 12, 2020 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The State of Louisiana, Department of Health ("LOH"), is committed to taking critical steps to ensure public health and safety; to prevent the spread of COVID19 in healthcare facilities, the State of Louisiana, Department of Health, is DIRECTING AND REQUIRING that all licensed healthcare facilities in Louisiana that receive visitors, adhere to the following provisions, restrictions, and limitations, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: A. VISITOR RESTRICTION A.1 . Any licensed healthcare facility in Louisiana that receives visitors shall IMMEDIATELY PROHIBIT all non-essential visitors for thirty (30) days; this 30 day mandatory prohibition of visitors shall commence on March 12, 2020, and shall end on April 10, 2020, unless otherwise extended by written notice from the Department. (a) Visitors deemed essential, vital, or necessary to the patient's/client's/resident's care and well-being, as determined by the individual healthcare facility after consultation with the family/responsible party, may be allowed into the facility pursuant to policies/procedures adopted by the healthcare facility, provided that such visitor does not meet the definition of Restricted Person [see definition in Paragraph A.3 below]. AMr-f~ICAN PVERSIGHT Bienville Building • 628 N. Fourth St. • P.O. Box 3836 • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821 Phone : (225) 342-1128 • Fax: (225) 342-2232 • www.ldh.la .govLA-DOH-20-1206-A-000043 An Equal OpportunityEmployer Page 43 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOH - Provider Memorandum - Visitation March 12, 2020 Page 2 A.2. However, this prohibition on non-essential visitors is subject to the following exception: (a) A Visitor who does not meet the definition of a Restricted Person [see definition in Paragraph A.3 below] may be allowed to enter the facility as a non-essential visitor, subject to the facility's approval, in situations involving a resident/client/patient who is on end-of-life care. A.3. A Restricted Person is defined as a person who meets any one or more of the following criteria: (a) Has signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat (as assessed by the facility); (b) In the last 14 days, has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or is under investigation for COVID-19, or has been or is currently ill with respiratory illness; (c) Has been on international travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission. For updated information on affected countries, please see: https://www .cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index. html (d) Is residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring. A.4. A facility shall immediately implement a policy and procedure to offer alternative means of communication for residents/clients/patients and their families and friends. Alternative means of communication may include virtual visitations and communications (telephone access, Skype, Face Time, other video-communications, etc.). Facility should consider assigning staff as primary contact for families for inbound calls, and should consider conducting regular outbound calls to keep families up to date. A.5. A Facility shall immediately notify responsible parties and family members of prohibitions on visitation and the alternative means of communication for residents/clients. B. ELECTIVE PROCEDURES 8.1 The Department recommends that all facilities consider limiting and restricting all elective or voluntary medical procedures in their facilities, for thirty (30) days from the date of this Notice. End of Memo AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000044 Page 44 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Kelly Zimmerman Sent: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:12:13 -0500 To: Tonya Joiner;Aly Neel;Christina Stephens;Shauna Sanford;Alexander Billioux;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Stephen Russo Cc: Sean Ellis Subject: DRAFT - visitor restriction news release Attachments: State health department orders healthcare facilities to restrict visitors.docx, LDH MEMO to All Providers with Visitors 3.12.20.doc Importance: High See attached DRAFT news release about visitors along with DRAFT memo to providers. Thanks, Kelly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000045 Page 45 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health State health department orders healthcare facilities to restrict visitors Effective today, the Louisiana Department of Health is requiring all licensed healthcare facilities in the state to restrict visitors to those deemed essential, vital or necessary to the care and well-being of patients, clients and residents. This action is being taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, among the populations most vulnerable to the virus. This prohibition will last for the next 30 days, ending on April 10, 2020 unless otherwise extended by the Department. Visitors who will be allowed into each facility will be determined by those facilities after consultation with families and responsible parties. This does not extend to non-essential visitors in situations involving end of life care, as approved by the facility. However, any visitor that meets the definition of a restricted person cannot enter a facility. A restricted person is defined as someone who:     Has signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat as assessed by the facility; In the last 14 days, has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or is under investigation for COVID-19 or has been or is currently ill with respiratory illness; Has been on international travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission of COVID-19; or Is residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring. Facilities are required to provide alternative means of communication, including virtual visitations, and should consider assigning staff as primary contact for families and regular calls to keep families up to date. The Department also recommends that all facilities considering limiting or restricting all elective or voluntary medical procedures for the next 30 days. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000046 Page 46 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health John Bel Edwards Stephen R. Russo, JD GOVERNOR INTERIM SECRETARY State of Louisiana SECRETARY Louisiana Department of Health HEALTHCARE FACILITY NOTICE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO: All Licensed Health Care Facilities in Louisiana FROM: LDH Office of Public Health Jimmy Guidry, State Health Officer LDH Health Standards Cecile Castello, Deputy Assistant Secretary RE: Visitor Restriction DATE: March 12, 2020 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The State of Louisiana, Department of Health (“LDH”), is committed to taking critical steps to ensure public health and safety; to prevent the spread of COVID19 in healthcare facilities, the State of Louisiana, Department of Health, is DIRECTING AND REQUIRING that all licensed healthcare facilities in Louisiana that receive visitors, adhere to the following provisions, restrictions, and limitations, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: A. VISITOR RESTRICTION A.1. Any licensed healthcare facility in Louisiana that receives visitors shall IMMEDIATELY PROHIBIT all non-essential visitors for thirty (30) days; this 30 day mandatory prohibition of visitors shall commence on March 12, 2020, and shall end on April 10, 2020, unless otherwise extended by written notice from the Department. (a) Visitors deemed essential, vital, or necessary to the patient’s/client’s/resident’s care and well-being, as determined by the individual healthcare facility after consultation with the family/responsible party, may be allowed into the facility pursuant to policies/procedures adopted by the healthcare facility, provided that such visitor does not meet the definition of Restricted Person [see definition in Paragraph A.3 below]. VERSIGHT Bienville Building ▪ 628 N. Fourth St. ▪ P.O. Box 3836 ▪ Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821 Phone: (225) 342-1128 ▪ Fax: (225) 342-2232 ▪ www.ldh.la.gov LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000047 An Equal Opportunity Employer Page 47 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LDH – Provider Memorandum – Visitation March 12, 2020 Page 2 A.2. However, this prohibition on non-essential visitors is subject to the following exception: (a) A Visitor who does not meet the definition of a Restricted Person [see definition in Paragraph A.3 below] may be allowed to enter the facility as a non-essential visitor, subject to the facility’s approval, in situations involving a resident/client/patient who is on end-of-life care. A.3. A Restricted Person is defined as a person who meets any one or more of the following criteria: (a) Has signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat (as assessed by the facility); (b) In the last 14 days, has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or is under investigation for COVID-19, or has been or is currently ill with respiratory illness; (c) Has been on international travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission. For updated information on affected countries, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html (d) Is residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring. A.4. A facility shall immediately implement a policy and procedure to offer alternative means of communication for residents/clients/patients and their families and friends. Alternative means of communication may include virtual visitations and communications (telephone access, Skype, Face Time, other video-communications, etc.). Facility should consider assigning staff as primary contact for families for inbound calls, and should consider conducting regular outbound calls to keep families up to date. A.5. A Facility shall immediately notify responsible parties and family members of prohibitions on visitation and the alternative means of communication for residents/clients. B. ELECTIVE PROCEDURES B.1 The Department recommends that all facilities consider limiting and restricting all elective or voluntary medical procedures in their facilities, for thirty (30) days from the date of this Notice. End of Memo VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000048 Page 48 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Joiner;Stephen Russo Cc: Subject: Attachments: Aly Neel Tue, 10 Mar 2020 22:15:50 -0500 Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;Shauna Sanford;Alexander Billioux;Tonya Kelly Zimmerman;Sean Ellis FOR YOUR REVIEW: Updated case count NEWS RELEASE-COVID-19 testing UPDATE.docx Team: Please see attached our press release from earlier today, updated with the developments. Please review and let me know if you have any flags. We will circulate ASAP and share on social. Thank you, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000049 Page 49 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health NEWS RELEASE March 10, 2020 UPDATE: Health officials on Tuesday confirm six total presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Louisiana as state increases testing for the virus BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Health reported on Tuesday evening three new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, all three residents of Orleans Parish Two are hospitalized in Orleans Parish; the third is hospitalized in St. Tammany Parish. Gov. John Bel Edwards said, “Currently, we have a total of six presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana. While we investigate these cases, we cannot disclose any additional information about these patients at this time.” The presumptive positive tests will be sent to the CDC for final confirmation of COVID-19. Louisiana will move forward as if the tests are actual positives and take actions to contain the illness and assess the risk of spread. Additional tests will be administered to determine if more people have been infected after the Department’s epidemiology team performs an investigation of close contacts. At this time, there are a total of six known cases of the illness in the state. Gov. Edwards announced the state’s first presumptive positive case, a Jefferson Parish resident, on Monday, March 9, and two additional presumptive positive cases on Tuesday afternoon, both in Orleans Parish. “At this point in our investigation we believe the first presumptive positive announced yesterday [Monday] is not travel-related and was community acquired,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Health. Louisiana ramps up testing This comes as the state has increased testing for the virus. In the five days since receiving more test kits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LDH has tested more than seven times as many people for the virus. With 43 tests of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) now completed, only six have been confirmed presumptive positive in Louisiana. This compares to five completed tests as of Friday, March 6. Health officials expected that increased testing for COVID-19 would lead to confirmation of additional cases in the state. LDH is following the CDC’s guidance and testing three groups of people – those who have traveled to certain areas and have symptoms, those who have had close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 and have symptoms, and people with an unexplained acute respiratory illness. The recent testing by the state laboratory run by LDH’s Office of Public Health includes samples from people who went to their doctor or to a hospital and had symptoms consistent with COVID-19, cough, AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000050 Page 50 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health headache, or lower respiratory illness. Some patients had recently traveled to a geographic area with known COVID-19 activity, while others did not have such a travel history. In other instances, OPH is using the tests for surveillance purposes. This is done using existing disease surveillance infrastructure that includes several hospitals and clinics throughout Louisiana. For COVID-19 surveillance, when patients are treated for respiratory illnesses, but are not diagnosed with influenza, swabbed samples are sent to the State public health lab where the COVID-19 test is done. Following CDC guidance, a sampling of cases from each site are sent the lab. This is a proven and effective system for the early detection of diseases, allowing health officials to take the appropriate next steps. For all people who have symptoms and who are being tested, they and their healthcare provider are being advised on precautions to take to prevent spreading the illness to others. Precautions include selfisolation at home or in an isolation room at the hospital. Some commercial labs are now equipped to conduct COVID-19 testing. With these private labs ready to test, healthcare providers will start sending their samples to those labs. LDH will be notified of any positive results coming from a commercial lab. Appropriate treatment and precautions will immediately be put in place for any positive commercial test before that test is confirmed by the State lab, and the public will be notified. Advice for the public State officials encourage Louisianans to take the following proactive steps to protect the health of themselves and those around them:  Stay home if you are sick.  Cover your cough.  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. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on LDH’s website: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000051 Page 51 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 20:02:29 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Cindy Rives;Tonya Joiner;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo Subject: FW: CODEL Call Prep -----Original Appointment----From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 12:55 PM To: Casey Tingle; Tonya Joiner; Christina Stephens; Alexander Billioux; Rosanne Prats; Jimmy Guidry (LDH); Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn; Aly Neel; Stephen Russo Subject: CODEL Call Prep When: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 3:00 PM-3:30 PM (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada). Where: Conf Call Here is the call-in info for our internal call. Telephone: Dial: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 _______________ From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:49 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I agree with Christina and maybe a quick prep call in advance. We will circle internally and have coordinate documents for dissemination. Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000052 Page 52 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ~, You • From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000053 Page 53 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000054 Page 54 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000055 Page 55 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Christina Stephens Sent: Sat, 14 Mar 2020 16:30:47 -0500 To: Alexander Billioux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Matthew Block;Mark Cooper;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner Cc: Kelly Zimmerman;Shauna Sanford;Aly Neel Subject: FW: Coronavirus Testing Please see the below correspondence between the Governor and Brett Giroir, requesting additional testing capacity. From: JBE Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2020 4:29 PM To: Christina Stephens Subject: Fwd: Coronavirus Testing Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Giroir, Brett (HHS/OASH)" Date: March 14, 2020 at 4:20:15 PM CDT To: JBE Subject: RE: Coronavirus Testing EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. We are on it Sir. I am ready for some gumbo after this Brett P. Giroir, MD ADM, US Public Health Service Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 Office Phone: 202-690-7694 A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000056 Page 56 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: JBE Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2020 5:11 PM To: Giroir, Brett (HHS/OASH) Subject: Re: Coronavirus Testing Dr. Giroir: Thank you for your work on this pandemic emergency. There are now 77 presumptive positive cases in Louisiana, with the vast majority being in Orleans and Jefferson Parish. An hour ago we announced the first death — a 58 year old gentleman from New Orleans with chronic health conditions. On a per capita basis, I believe Louisiana has the third most cases in the country. We have imposed significant mitigation measures to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), but I am afraid the testing is nowhere near as robust as necessary to identify more positive cases that can then be isolated/quarantined so that we can in a significant way slow the spread, flatten the curve, and better ensure that our medical/hospital capacity is not overwhelmed. Please make every effort to significantly increase our testing capacity and testing through put as soon as possible. Feel free to respond to me or to have someone on your team contact Dr. Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health. Thank you. John Bel Sent from my iPhone On Mar 14, 2020, at 8:50 AM, JBE wrote: Thanks. We will take you up on your offer. My public health folks will contact your team shortly. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 13, 2020, at 7:34 PM, Giroir, Brett (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000057 Page 57 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Sir, We had your health team on the line this evening. White House is offering to assist with setting up drive through testing sites at hot spots. And NOLA and Jefferson Parrish are on our list. Totally your call but this could be helpful to you. We are waiting to hear back from your team. V/r BG Brett P. Giroir, MD ADM, US Public Health Service Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 Office Phone: 202-690-7694 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000058 Page 58 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Mon, 2 Mar 2020 19:38:55 +0000 Adam Eitmann Tina Vanichchagorn FW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update COVID Leg. Brief 3'2'20.pdf, Covid-19 FAQs 3'2'20.pdf FYA – Adam, I copied most of the email you sent to Rep. Hughes so thanks  Will let y’all know if we get any considerable feedback/questions. From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 1:33 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Cc: Bethany Blackson ; Anita Dupuy ; Latonya Johnson Subject: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update Good afternoon members – Please see the attached brief and FAQ document regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This morning, the Governor held a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) with state agency heads to make sure that every agency is preparing and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. The Governor is being briefed regularly by LDH and GOHSEP regarding the virus and our preparations. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The nearest case is in Texas, and this person remains in isolation. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now expects there to be “community spread” in certain regions of the United States, the immediate threat to the United States and Louisiana remains low. Additionally, LDH has put together online resources for the public at ldh.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus. Members of the public with questions about coronavirus, should contact the Coronavirus General Information Line at 1-855-523-2652 from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Please encourage your constituents and others to use official sources, like LDH or the CDC, for actual information about the illness. If you hear troubling rumors, please pass them along so we can work with our team to make sure we are communicating effectively and dispelling any mistruths. The bigger threat to Louisiana remains the flu; we still are experiencing very high levels of that virus. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID19. They are the same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu - cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick. Please let me know if you have any more questions or if there are any additional resources we can provide. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000059 Page 59 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Best, Lauren Lauren Gilder Gleason, MPA Director of Legislative & Governmental Relations 628 N. Fourth Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.342.5274 (office) 225.964.1789 (cell) LOU ISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000060 Page 60 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA LDH Brief: COVID-19 DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH March 2, 2020 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) *No confirmed cases in Louisiana* Situation         As of 03/02/20, there are no confirmed cases of Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Louisiana. The nearest case is in Texas, and this person remains in isolation. There are 15 confirmed cases in the United States; another 47 individuals with COVID-19 have been repatriated. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now expects there to be “community spread” in certain regions of the United States, the immediate threat to the United States and Louisiana remains low. We are not yet seeing the same spread other countries are seeing. The Louisiana Department of Health remains in close contact with the CDC and has been proactively preparing for the introduction of this virus since it was first identified in China earlier this year. COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The CDC are recommending using Pandemic Influenza Preparedness as our model for response, with the key focus being on Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI). o NPIs are actions, apart from getting vaccinated and taking medicine that people and communities can take to help slow the spread of illnesses like pandemic influenza (flu). NPIs are also known as community mitigation strategies. Louisiana has been working on Pandemic Preparedness for the last 15 years. We have a comprehensive State Pandemic Plan. We have also encouraged Pandemic Planning throughout the State, both in the governmental sector as well as the private sector. At this time, what poses a greater risk to Louisiana residents is the flu. It’s not too late to get your flu shot – which is available at no cost at your parish public health unit. Number of cases globally Number of countries reporting cases Number of deaths Number of cases in the United States Number of cases in Louisiana Persons Under Investigation/Suspected cases in Louisiana Nearest case 83,000+ 50 2,700+ 62 (12 travelers, 3 person-to-person, 47 repatriated) 0 0 Texas (San Antonio) via Diamond Princess Cruise About Coronavirus Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people, like has been seen with recent outbreaks of MERS and SARS. General Public Questions If you have questions about the Coronavirus, please contact the Coronavirus general information line at 1-855-5232652 from 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000061 Page 61 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Immediate Threat to the Public is Low Currently, the immediate threat to the general public in the U.S. remains low. People with recent travel to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, or Japan (or those who have come in contact with someone who has recently traveled to one of these countries and is ill with COVID-19) have a greater risk for becoming ill. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (similar to a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. So far, deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health conditions. To minimize the risk of spread, Louisiana health officials are working with health care providers to promptly identify and evaluate any suspected cases. Symptoms For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms (similar to the common cold) to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. The CDC believe at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. How is the virus spread Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:  Respiratory droplets produced when coughing and sneezing  Close personal contact  Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes What can you do Anyone who recently traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, or Japan within the previous 14 days, who experiences fever, cough, or other acute illness should contact a health care provider as soon as possible and mention your recent travel. Please call ahead and inform the health care provider about your travel history. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. Take steps to avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases by:  Getting a flu vaccine and taking flu antivirals if prescribed  Covering your cough  Staying home if you are sick  Washing your hands State Response    Louisiana has been working on Pandemic Preparedness for the last 15 years. We have a comprehensive State Pandemic Plan; additionally, we have also encouraged Pandemic Planning throughout the State, both in the government and private sectors. Louisiana has also put together a COVID-19 Task Force to build upon our pandemic plan in order to respond to the COVID-19 threat more specifically. Members will include essential subject matter experts from public health, hospital preparedness, human resources, emergency preparedness, and other government agencies. The Louisiana Department of Health is now able to test for the virus in the state public health lab. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000062 Page 62 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA COVID-19 FAQ Last revised 3/2/20 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are there any confirmed cases in Louisiana? A: As of 3/2/20, there are no confirmed cases in Louisiana. Q: What is our message to the public? A: While the CDC now expects community spread in some parts of the U.S., the immediate threat to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it is important to be prepared, which is what we have been doing since the outbreak in mainland China. There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. The same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu put you in a good position for any respiratory illness - cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick. Q: What is the protocol in place for responding to a pandemic like Coronavirus/COVID-19? A: COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The CDC are recommending using the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plan as our model for the response because COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The Louisiana Department of Health has been working on our Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the last 15 years, and we have been preparing for COVID-19 since it was first reported in China in December 2019. The Governor directed the formation of a COVID-19 Task Force with representation from state agencies and federal partners key to preparing for a COVID-19 outbreak to guide updating pandemic flu and continuity of operations planning documents and advise the Unified Command Group. Q: What have you been doing as far as monitoring people who may have been exposed? A: Our first priority was to ensure we were monitoring any travelers who returned to Louisiana from visiting China, where many of the cases have occurred, and especially Wuhan, the city that experienced the largest outbreak. We touch base with those travelers each day and ask about their symptoms during a 14-day period of observation. We are also ensuring that travelers know the destinations where non-essential travel should be avoided. Q: Do we have the capability to test? A: We do have the capability to test for COVID-19 in-state. Providers should contact the Office of Public Health Division's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi). Q: What’s the next major step in the Department’s plan for responding to an outbreak? A: Mirroring the federal government’s response, we are moving from a ‘containment’ approach in which we focused on restricting travel from the outbreak area in Wuhan city and Hubei province in China and monitoring returning travelers from other parts of China, to a ‘mitigation’ approach in which we anticipate and plan for person-to-person transmission in the community somewhere in the United States and ensure state and local governments, health care providers, schools, businesses, and community members are adequately prepared to take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We don’t want people to be alarmed, but we do want them to be prepared. We also want businesses and health care facilities to be prepared to make sure people are safe and protected so we can avoid an unnecessary spread, including planning now for actions that can be taken to avoid the spread of infections such as mandatory teleworking and canceling unnecessary large gatherings. N PVERSIGHT Page 1 of 3 Page 63 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000063 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA COVID-19 FAQ Last revised 3/2/20 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Q: Why are you using the state’s pandemic plan that was developed for an influenza outbreak like H1N1? A: COVID-19 behaves very much like the flu, and all of the drills we’ve done around responding to an influenza outbreak apply extremely well to dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak. Q: Do plans for the future include quarantining? A: Although we don’t expect to do quarantines for this particular infection, we have extensive plans stemming from our H1N1 and Ebola planning which had us exercise the legal authority to quarantine. Q: What are you doing to make sure hospitals are prepared? A: LDH has been working with Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) and the ESF8 Network to prepare hospitals for an outbreak and ensure they have the proper supplies needed as well as protocols are in place for anyone treated who tests positive. We haven’t had any indication that hospitals don’t have what they need on the supply side. Q: Have you seen any indication that the consumer market is having problems keeping up with demand for supplies, such as face masks? A: So far, everyone has been able to acquire what they need, but we understand that just as when a big storm is predicted and grocery stores run low on supplies because of high demand, that may happen in this case. We are anticipating that an outbreak could produce bottlenecks in the future. We’re focused on ensuring patients who rely on personal protective equipment, such as face masks, even without an outbreak, will be first in line for any new stock. Q: Is the Louisiana Department of Health concerned about shipping channels such as the Port of New Orleans being affected by COVID-19? A: Department officials met with the Coast Guard to discuss potential issues with the COVID-19 virus once it became more clear that the virus was spreading globally last week. We don’t think there will be potential for spreading the virus through shipping channels, as anyone on board a vessel is likely to have already gone through the virus’ cycle while on board the ship. Chinese goods in particular have a two-week shipping time from China, which is the period of observation for individuals potentially exposed to SARS-CoV-2 to develop COVID-19. There’s been no indication that Chinesemade goods on their own would play a role in spreading COVID-19. Q: So is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? A: Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Q: What federal resources have been made available to Louisiana to aid in the response? A: We receive a number of federal resources for emergency preparedness that we are awarded yearly, including for hurricane preparation. Our federal partners have given us flexibility to shift some of that existing funding into COVID-19 preparation. If the U.S. Congress approves the $2.5 billion for COVID19 that’s now being discussed, we expect we would use some of that funding to expand our Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program. N PVERSIGHT Page 2 of 3 Page 64 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000064 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA COVID-19 FAQ Last revised 3/2/20 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Q: Are you in regular contact with the federal government? A: Yes. We are in very regular contact with the CDC and HHS; we’re currently averaging several calls per week just with the CDC. In addition, we have standing calls across state health departments and a standing call internally in Louisiana. This is all very important so that we all have the latest data, are on the same page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. Q: Should families have a plan if an outbreak occurs? A: The best preparation families can do is practice good seasonal flu/cold hygiene: cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot! Families should also monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for updated travel advisories before making plans to travel internationally. Q: Are you screening travelers from any of the other countries where there have been outbreaks? A: Currently no, but the situation is changing quickly, and we are in close communication with the CDC. N PVERSIGHT Page 3 of 3 Page 65 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000065 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Casey Tingle Wed, 4 Mar 2020 10:21:08 -0600 Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Rosanne Prats;Christopher Guilbeaux Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact image001.jpg Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000066 Page 66 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000067 Page 67 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 68 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 69 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 20:12:13 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Tonya Joiner;Cindy Rives;Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov;James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov;peter.hunter@mail.ho use.gov;Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov;Sawyer, Paul;Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov;Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov;Trokey, Claire;Trowbridge, Fred;Miller, Megan (Bel);Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov;Eby, Michael (Cassidy);Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy);Cambon, Allen;Bernhard, James;Cavell, David;McNabb, Brian (Cassidy);Chautin, John;Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov;Walecki, Jack;Morris, Brad;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Mike Steele Subject: FW: State Briefing on COVID-19 Attachments: Covid-19 FAQs 03022020 3.12PM.DOCX, COVID-19_Business_Guidance .docx, LawEnforcement_COVID-19.docx, Colleges_Universities_COVID-19.docx -----Original Appointment----From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 2:12 PM To: Casey Tingle; Tonya Joiner; Cindy Rives; Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov; James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov; peter.hunter@mail.house.gov; Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov; Sawyer, Paul; Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov; Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov; Trokey, Claire; Trowbridge, Fred; Miller, Megan (Bel); Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov; Eby, Michael (Cassidy); Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy); Cambon, Allen; Bernhard, James; Cavell, David; McNabb, Brian (Cassidy); Chautin, John; Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov; Walecki, Jack; Morris, Brad; Christina Stephens; Alexander Billioux; Rosanne Prats; Jimmy Guidry (LDH); Christopher Guilbeaux; Tina Vanichchagorn; Aly Neel; Stephen Russo; Mike Steele Subject: FW: State Briefing on COVID-19 When: Thursday, March 5, 2020 8:00 AM-9:00 AM (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada). Where: Conference Call -----Original Appointment----From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 1:28 PM To: Casey Tingle; Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov; James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov; peter.hunter@mail.house.gov; Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov; Sawyer, Paul; Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov; Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov; Trokey, Claire; Trowbridge, Fred; Miller, Megan (Bel); Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov; Eby, Michael (Cassidy); Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy); Cambon, Allen; Bernhard, James; Cavell, David; McNabb, Brian (Cassidy); Chautin, John; Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov; Walecki, Jack; Morris, Brad; Christina Stephens; Alexander Billioux; Rosanne Prats; Jimmy Guidry (LDH); Christopher Guilbeaux; Tina Vanichchagorn; Aly Neel; Stephen Russo; Mike Steele Subject: State Briefing on COVID-19 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000070 Page 70 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health When: Thursday, March 5, 2020 8:00 AM-9:00 AM (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada). Where: Conference Call Briefing for Louisiana Congressional Delegation on the latest state efforts on COVID-19. Conference Call Info: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 Attached are several informational pieces that may be helpful for your offices. Let me know if there are any questions. Thank you, Casey Tingle Deputy Director Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 225-485-7451 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000071 Page 71 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Because the situation continues to evolve, this document will be regularly updated. The information below reflects the situation as of 03/02/2020. Q: Are there any confirmed cases in Louisiana? A: As of 03/02/20, there are no confirmed cases in Louisiana. Q: What is the current situation? A: While the CDC now expect community spread in some parts of the U.S., the immediate threat to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it is important to be prepared, which is what we have been doing since the outbreak in mainland China. Q: What is the protocol in place for responding to a pandemic like COVID-19? A: COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The CDC recommends using the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plan as our model for the response because COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The Louisiana Department of Health has been working on our Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the last 15 years, and we have been preparing for COVID-19 since early January 2020. The Governor directed the formation of a COVID-19 Task Force with representation from state agencies and federal partners key to preparing for a COVID-19 outbreak to guide updating pandemic flu and continuity of operations planning documents and advise the Unified Command Group. Q: What have you been doing as far as monitoring people who may have been exposed? A: Our first priority was to ensure we were monitoring any travelers who returned to Louisiana from visiting China, where many of the cases have occurred, and especially Wuhan, the city that experienced the largest outbreak. We touch base with those travelers each day and ask about their symptoms during a 14-day period of observation. We are also ensuring that travelers know the destinations where nonessential travel should be avoided. Q: Do we have the capability to test? A: We do have the capability to test for COVID-19 in-state. Providers should contact the Office of Public Health Division's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi). Testing is prioritized for individuals that meet clinical and risk criteria. Q: What’s the next major step in the Department’s plan for responding to an outbreak? A: Mirroring the federal government’s response, we are moving from a ‘containment’ approach in which we focused on restricting travel from the outbreak area in Wuhan city and Hubei province in China and monitoring returning travelers from other parts of China, to a ‘mitigation’ approach in which we anticipate and plan for person-to-person transmission in the community somewhere in the United States and ensure state and local governments, health care providers, schools, businesses, and community members are adequately prepared to take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We don’t want people to be alarmed, but we do want them to be prepared. We also want businesses and health care facilities to be prepared to make sure people are safe and protected so we can avoid an unnecessary spread, including planning now for actions that can be taken to avoid the spread of infections such as mandatory teleworking and canceling unnecessary large gatherings. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000072 Page 72 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM Q: What are you doing to make sure hospitals are prepared? A: LDH has been working with Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) and the ESF8 Network to prepare hospitals for an outbreak and ensure they have the proper supplies needed as well as protocols are in place for anyone treated who tests positive. We haven’t had any indication that hospitals don’t have what they need on the supply side. Q: Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? A: Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Q: Are you in regular contact with the federal government? A: Yes. We are in very regular contact with the CDC and HHS; we’re currently averaging several calls per week just with the CDC. In addition we have standing calls across state health departments and a standing call internally in Louisiana. This is all very important so that we all have the latest data, are on the same page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. Q: Should individuals and families have a plan if an outbreak occurs? There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. The same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu put you in a good position for any respiratory illness - cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot! Individuals and families should also monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for updated travel advisories before making plans to travel internationally. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000073 Page 73 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Louisiana Business, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19. Much is unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. CDC industry guidance   Resources for airlines Resources for the ship industry Coronavirus Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people, such as with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China and some limited person-to-person transmission has been reported in countries outside China, including the United States. However, respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza, are currently widespread in many U.S. communities. The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19. To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use only the guidance described below to determine risk of COVID-19. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other features of COVID-19, and investigations are ongoing. Updates are available on CDC’s webpage at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/covid19. Recommended strategies for employers to use now  Actively encourage sick employees to stay home: o Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of Page 1 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000074 Page 74 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o  Separate sick employees: o  CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available). Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees: o o o o o  fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies. Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way. Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual. Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen. Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees. Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% to 95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene. Visit the coughing and sneezing etiquette and clean hands webpage for more information. Perform routine environmental cleaning: o o Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time. Page 2 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000075 Page 75 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls and desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use. Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps:  o o o o  Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found at on the CDC website. Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed. If outside the United States, sick employees should follow your company’s policy for obtaining medical care or contact a healthcare provider or overseas medical assistance company to assist them with finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services. However, U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability and resources to evacuate or give medicines, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas. Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor Page 3 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000076 Page 76 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:         Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Additional measures in response to currently occurring sporadic importations of COVID-19: o Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. Planning for a possible COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The severity of illness or how many people will fall ill from COVID-19 is unknown at this time. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., employers should plan to be able to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to refine their business response plans as needed. For the general American public, such as workers in non-healthcare settings and where it is unlikely that work tasks create an increased risk of exposures to COVID-19, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. The CDC and its partners will continue to monitor national and international data on the severity of illness caused by COVID-19, will disseminate the results of these ongoing surveillance assessments and will make additional recommendations as needed. Page 4 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000077 Page 77 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Planning considerations All employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread of acute respiratory illness and lower the impact of COVID-19 in their workplace in the event of an outbreak in the US. They should identify and communicate their objectives, which may include one or more of the following: (a) reducing transmission among staff, (b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications, (c) maintaining business operations, and (d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains. Some of the key considerations when making decisions on appropriate responses are: Disease severity (i.e., number of people who are sick, hospitalization and death rates) in the community where the business is located;  Impact of disease on employees that are vulnerable and may be at higher risk for COVID-19 adverse health complications. Inform employees that some people may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.  Prepare for possible increased numbers of employee absences due to illness in employees and their family members, dismissals of early childhood programs and K-12 schools due to high levels of absenteeism or illness. o Employers should plan to monitor and respond to absenteeism at the workplace. Implement plans to continue your essential business functions in case you experience higher than usual absenteeism. o Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent. o Assess your essential functions and the reliance that others and the community have on your services or products. Be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations (e.g., identify alternative suppliers, prioritize customers, or temporarily suspend some of your operations if needed).  Employers with more than one business location are encouraged to provide local managers with the authority to take appropriate actions outlined in their business infectious disease outbreak response plan based on the condition in each locality.  Coordination with state and local health officials is strongly encouraged for all businesses so that timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses in each location where their operations reside. Since the intensity of an outbreak may differ according to geographic location, local health officials will be issuing guidance specific to their communities.  Important considerations for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan: All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. During a COVID-19 outbreak, all sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched surfaces should be performed regularly.  Employers should: Page 5 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000078 Page 78 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o Ensure the plan is flexible and involve your employees in developing and reviewing your plan. Conduct a focused discussion or exercise using your plan, to find out ahead of time whether the plan has gaps or problems that need to be corrected. Share your plan with employees and explain what human resources policies, workplace and leave flexibilities, and pay and benefits will be available to them. Share best practices with other businesses in your communities (especially those in your supply chain), chambers of commerce and associations to improve community response efforts. Recommendations for an infectious disease outbreak response plan:         Identify possible work-related exposure and health risks to your employees. OSHA has more information on how to protect workers from potential exposures to COVID-19. Review human resources policies to make sure that policies and practices are consistent with public health recommendations and are consistent with existing state and federal workplace laws (for more information on employer responsibilities, visit the Department of Labor’s and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s websites). Explore whether you can establish policies and practices, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and others if state and local health authorities recommend the use of social distancing strategies. For employees who are able to telework, supervisors should encourage employees to telework instead of coming into the workplace until symptoms are completely resolved. Ensure that you have the information technology and infrastructure needed to support multiple employees who may be able to work from home. Identify essential business functions, essential jobs or roles, and critical elements within your supply chains (e.g., raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products and logistics) required to maintain business operations. Plan for how your business will operate if there is increasing absenteeism or these supply chains are interrupted. Set up authorities, triggers and procedures for activating and terminating the company’s infectious disease outbreak response plan, altering business operations (e.g., possibly changing or closing operations in affected areas) and transferring business knowledge to key employees. Work closely with your local health officials to identify these triggers. Plan to minimize exposure between employees and also between employees and the public, if public health officials call for social distancing. Establish a process to communicate information to employees and business partners on your infectious disease outbreak response plans and latest COVID-19 information. Anticipate employee fear, anxiety, rumors and misinformation, and plan communications accordingly. In some communities, early childhood programs and K-12 schools may be dismissed, particularly if COVID-19 worsens. Determine how you will operate if absenteeism spikes from increases in sick employees, those who stay home to care for sick family members, and those who must stay home to watch their children if dismissed from school. Businesses and other employers should prepare to institute flexible workplace and leave policies for these employees. Page 6 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000079 Page 79 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Local conditions will influence the decisions that public health officials make regarding community-level strategies; employers should take the time now to learn about plans in place in each community where they have a business. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., consider canceling nonessential business travel to additional countries per travel guidance on the CDC website.   o o Travel restrictions may be enacted by other countries which may limit the ability of employees to return home if they become sick while on travel status. Consider cancelling large work-related meetings or events. Engage state and local health departments to confirm channels of communication and methods for dissemination of local outbreak information. Resources For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652    CDC guidance    COVID-19 Website What You Need to Know About COVID-19 What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19 Page 7 of 7 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000080 Page 80 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other areas, including the United States. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness.      Data suggests that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. The virus causing COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, of people who are nearby. Close contact may include: Being within approximately 6 feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. Having direct contact with body fluids (such as blood, phlegm, and respiratory droplets) from an individual with COVID-19. To protect yourself from exposure       If possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available and illicit drugs are NOT suspected to be present, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Have a trained Emergency Medical Service/ Emergency Medical Technician (EMS/EMT) assess and transport anyone you think might have COVID-19 to a healthcare facility. Ensure only trained personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) have contact with individuals who have or may have COVID-19. Learn your employer’s plan for exposure control and participate in all-hands training on the use of PPE for respiratory protection, If available. Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS. Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties. These alternative styles (i.e. coveralls) must provide protection that is at least as great as that provided by the minimum amount of PPE recommended. The minimum PPE recommended is: VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000081 Page 81 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health A single pair of disposable examination gloves, Disposable isolation gown or single-use/disposable coveralls*, Any NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e., N-95 or higher-level respirator), and Eye protection (i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that fully covers the front and sides of the face)     *If unable to wear a disposable gown or coveralls because it limits access to duty belt and gear, ensure duty belt and gear are disinfected after contact with individual. If close contact occurred during apprehension Clean and disinfect duty belt and gear prior to reuse using a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the product label. Follow standard operating procedures for the containment and disposal of used PPE. Follow standard operating procedures for containing and laundering clothes. Avoid shaking the clothes.    For law enforcement personnel performing daily routine activities, the immediate health risk is considered low. Law enforcement leadership and personnel should follow CDC’s Interim General Business Guidance. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000082 Page 82 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Louisiana Higher Education Administrator, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Please check the following CDC website periodically for updated interim guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Health officials are taking steps to prevent community spread of COVID-19 into U.S. communities. Institutions of higher education (IHE) can play an important role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments, IHE should disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission to their students, staff and faculty. IHE should prepare to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their students, staff and faculty should local health officials identify such a need. IHE should continue to collaborate, share information and review plans with local health officials to help protect their entire IHE community, including those who may be at risk for severe disease with COVID-19. IHE plans should be designed to minimize disruption to teaching and learning and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination. Who is this guidance for? This interim guidance is intended to help administrators of public and private institutions of higher education prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students, staff and faculty. IHE include a diverse set of American colleges and universities: two- or four-year; public, private nonprofit or private for-profit; and comprehensive, research-focused or special mission. IHE administrators are individuals who make policies and procedures, set educational aims and standards, and direct programming of institutions of higher education. Administrators include a range of higher education leaders and managers, such as department chairs/heads, deans, presidents and provosts. Why is this guidance being issued? Information provided should help IHE and their partners understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among students, faculty and staff. It also aims to help IHE react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching, learning and research if there is community spread of COVID-19 and address concerns related to COVID-19 associated stigma. Page 1 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000083 Page 83 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What is the role of IHE in responding to COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. Learn more about COVID-19. IHE, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of disease. IHE’s efforts will help ensure students, staff and faculty have safe and healthy environments in which to learn and work. IHE welcome students, staff, faculty and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in IHE settings, often sharing spaces, equipment and supplies. Some individuals are experiencing stigma and discrimination in the United States related to COVID-19. This includes people of Chinese and Asian descent, as well as some returning travelers and emergency responders who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important for IHE to provide accurate and timely information about COVID-19 to students, staff and faculty to minimize the potential for stigma on college and university campuses. It is also important to provide mental health support to promote resilience among those groups affected by stigma regarding COVID-19. CDC has information IHE can share to reduce COVID-19 associated fear and stigma. Guidance for IHE that do not have COVID-19 identified in their community To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for IHE to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, IHE should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks. IHE want to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities. IHE administrators nationwide can take steps now to help stop or slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19:  Review, update and implement emergency operations plans (EOPs). This should be done in collaboration with local health departments, the IHE’s university system and other relevant partners. Focus on components, or annexes, of the plans that address infectious disease outbreaks. o Ensure the plan is updated to include strategies to reduce the spread of a wide variety of infectious diseases. Effective strategies build on everyday policies and practices. o Ensure the plan emphasizes preventive actions for students and staff. Emphasize actions individuals can take including, staying home when sick, appropriately covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and washing hands often.  CDC has workplace resources including guidance posters with messages for staff about staying home when sick and how to avoid spreading germs at work. o Ensure handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Page 2 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000084 Page 84 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include health promotion materials and information on proper handwashing technique. Reference key resources while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP.  Multiple federal agencies have developed resources on school planning principles and a 6-step process for creating plans to build and continually foster safe and healthy school communities before, during and after possible emergencies. IHE may find this guidance for developing high-quality emergency operations plans helpful.  Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center’s website contains free resources, trainings and TA for schools, including IHE, and their community partners, including many tools and resources on emergency planning and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Develop information-sharing systems with partners.  Institutional information systems should be used for day-to-day reporting on information such as absenteeism or changes in student health center traffic to detect and respond to an outbreak.  Local health officials should be a key partner in information sharing.  o o  Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Page 3 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000085 Page 85 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)     o o o o o Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Monitor and plan for absenteeism.  Review attendance and sick leave policies. Students, staff and faculty should not attend class or work when sick. Allow them to stay home to care for sick household members. Make accommodations (e.g., extended due dates, electronic submission of assignments), as possible, for individuals who may be temporarily unable to attend class due to restrictions placed on them related to possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID19.  Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by crosstraining staff and faculty.  Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your institution and on your campus among students, staff and faculty. Consider identifying and implementing processes for faculty and IHE leadership to report noticeable changes in absenteeism, even if subjective, to a designated administrator.  Alert local health officials about large increases in student, staff and faculty absenteeism or substantial increases in student health center traffic due to respiratory illnesses (like the common cold or the “flu,” which have symptoms similar to symptoms of COVID-19).  Determine what level of absenteeism will disrupt continuity of teaching, learning, and research. Establish procedures for students, staff, and faculty who are sick (with any illness) on campus.  Establish procedures to ensure students, staff and faculty who become sick (with any illness) on campus or arrive on campus sick are sent to their place of residence as soon as possible.  Keep sick individuals separate from well individuals until they can leave.  Sick residents of on-campus housing in communities with no identified COVID-19 and who are not believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 should avoid contact with well individuals while sick. Ensure IHE health clinics prepare for COVID-19.  Review CDC guidance to help healthcare facilities prepare for COVID-19. Guidance includes steps to take now and strategies for preparing for community transmission of COVID-19. Perform routine environmental cleaning.  Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.  Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students, staff and faculty before each use. Create plans to communicate accurate and timely information to the IHE community. Page 4 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000086 Page 86 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Include strategies for sharing information with staff, students and faculty without increasing fear and stigma. Keeping the community informed with accurate information can counter the spread of misinformation and reduce the potential for fear and stigma.  Include strategies to communicate steps being taken by the IHE to prepare and how additional information will be shared.  Include strategies to communicate changes to usual campus schedules or functions.  Include strategies to communicate information IHE community members can use to protect themselves from infectious disease, including COVID-19. Review CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers.  Review this CDC guidance to identify any additional strategies the IHE can use, given its role as an employer.  o IHE administrators can also support their IHE community by sharing COVID-19 informational resources with students, staff and faculty. Coordinate with local health officials to determine what type of information is best to share with the IHE community. Consider sharing the following fact sheets and information sources:    Information about COVID-19 available through state and local health departments General fact sheets to help students, staff, faculty, and their families understand COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves: o What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pdf o What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) o Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 o Share facts about COVID-19 to help prevent stigma CDC information for students, staff, and faculty who have recently traveled back to the United States from areas where CDC has identified community spread of coronavirus: o A list of countries where community spread of COVID-19 is occurring can be found on the CDC webpage: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel For guidance for students, staff or faculty who plan to travel, or have recently traveled, to areas with community spread of COVID-19, refer to CDC’s FAQ for travelers and COVID-19 travel website. For specific guidance on foreign exchange and study abroad programs, see CDC’s guidance on student foreign travel for IHE. Guidance for IHE with identified cases of COVID-19 in their community If local health officials report that there are cases of COVID-19 in the community, IHE need to take additional steps in response to prevent further spread of the disease. The first step for IHE in this situation is to talk with local health officials. Determine if, when and for how long the IHE may need to suspend classes and postpone or cancel events and activities. Page 5 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000087 Page 87 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Temporarily suspending classes is a strategy to stop or slow the further spread of COVID-19 in communities. When classes are suspended, IHE may stay open for staff or faculty (unless ill) while students temporarily stop attending in-person classes. Keeping the IHE facilities open a) allows faculty to develop and deliver lessons and materials electronically, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning; and b) allows other staff members to continue to provide services and help with additional response efforts. IHE administrators should work in close collaboration with local health officials and the IHE’s university system to make class suspension and event and activity cancellation decisions. IHE are not expected to make decisions about suspending classes or canceling events on their own. IHE can seek specific guidance from local health officials to determine if, when and for how long to take these steps. Class suspension and event and activity (e.g., on-campus sporting, theater and music events) cancellation may be recommended for at least 14 days, or possibly longer if advised by local health officials. The nature of these actions (e.g., geographic scope, duration) may change as the local outbreak situation evolves. If a student, staff or faculty member attended class or was active on campus prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case:    Local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Individuals may be considered active on campus if they had attended class, work, work-study or some other type of gathering or event (e.g., student meetings, recreational activities) on campus. Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., all campuses in a university system or only select campuses) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-todate information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. IHE should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure. This communication to the IHE community should align with the communication plan in the IHE’s emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student, staff member or faculty member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. IHE administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students, staff and faculty should return to campus and what additional steps are needed for the IHE community. In addition, students, staff and faculty who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to campus. If classes are suspended, IHE can consider the following steps:   Temporarily cancel extracurricular group activities and large events. o Cancel or postpone events such as club meetings, performances, social events, athletic team practices and sporting events. Discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering or socializing anywhere. o Discourage gatherings at places like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant or a local coffee shop. Page 6 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000088 Page 88 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)  Ensure continuity of education and research. o Review continuity plans, including plans for the continuity of teaching, learning and research. Implement e-learning plans and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate. o Ensure continuity plans address how to temporarily postpone, limit or adapt research-related activities (e.g., study recruitment or participation, access to labs) in a manner that protects the safety of researchers, participants, facilities, and equipment. o Consider the following approaches:  Use of existing infrastructure and services (e.g., Blackboard, Skype, Zoom) to support efficient transition of classes from in-person to distance-based formats. This may include using strategies such as faculty check-ins, recorded class meetings or lectures, and live class meetings.  Other student support services such as online library services, print materials available online, phone- or internet-based counseling support, or study groups enabled through digital media. o IHE will need to determine, in consultation with their university system:  How to convert face-to-face lessons into online lessons and how to train faculty to do so.  How to triage technical issues if faced with limited IT support and staff  How to deal with the potential lack of students’ access to computers and the Internet at home or in temporary housing. o Ensure continuity of safe housing.  Work in close collaboration with local health officials to make all decisions related to on-campus housing.  If cases of COVID-19 have not been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, students may be allowed to remain in on-campus housing. In this situation, educate housing residents on the precautions they should take to help protect themselves when there is community spread of COVID-19. Residents should follow any more specific recommendations provided by local health officials.  If cases of COVID-19 have been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, work with local health officials to take additional precautions. Individuals with COVID-19 may need to be moved to temporary housing locations. These individuals will need to self-isolate and monitor for worsening symptoms according to the guidance of local health officials. Close contacts of the individuals with COVID-19 may also need temporary housing so that they can self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Consult with local health officials to determine when, how, and where to move ill residents. Information on providing home care to individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization is available on CDC’s website.  Residents identified with COVID-19 or identified as contacts of individuals with COVID-19 should not necessarily be sent to their permanent homes off-campus. Sending sick residents to their permanent homes could be unfeasible, pose logistical challenges or pose risk of transmission to others either on the way to the home or once there. IHEs should work with local health officials to determine appropriate housing for the period in which they need to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms or worsening symptoms. Page 7 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000089 Page 89 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Remember to consider all types of IHE-affiliated housing when making response plans. Distinct housing types (e.g., residence halls, apartments, fraternity and sorority houses) and situations (e.g., housing owned and run by the IHE, housing on the IHE campus but not run by the IHE) may require tailored approaches.  Ensure any staff remaining to support students in on-campus housing receive necessary training to protect themselves and residents from spread of COVID-19. Staff should also be trained on how to respond if a resident becomes ill. o Ensure continuity of meal programs.  Consult with local health officials to determine strategies for modifying food service offerings to the IHE community.  Consider ways to distribute food to students, particularly those who may remain on campus, while classes or other events and activities are dismissed.  If there is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid food distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as “graband-go” bagged lunches or meal delivery.  Consider if and how existing dining services should be scaled back or adapted. For example, an IHE may close some of or all its cafeterias/cafes to discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering in group settings.  If on-campus housing residents have been relocated to temporary alternative housing, consider how meals can be provided to these students. Work with local health officials to determine strategies for providing meals to residents with COVID-19 or who are being monitored because of contact with persons with COVID-19.  Ensure any staff remaining on campus to support food services receive necessary training to protect themselves and those they serve from spread of COVID-19. o Consider if and when to stop, scale back or modify other support services on campus.  Consider alternatives for providing students with essential medical and social services. Identify ways to ensure these services are provided while classes are dismissed or students are in temporary housing.  Identify other types of services provided to students, staff and faculty (e.g., library services, cleaning services). Consider ways to adapt these to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission while maintaining services deemed necessary.  Help counter stigma and promote resilience on campus.  Share facts about COVID-19 through trusted dissemination channels to counter the spread of misinformation and mitigate fear. o Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people. o Develop plans to support students, staff and faculty who may feel overwhelmed by COVID-19 and associated events on campus.  Ensure continuity of mental health services, such as offering remote counseling. Encourage students to call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) if they are feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression, anxiety or feeling like wanting to harm themselves or others.  Page 8 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000090 Page 90 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for student foreign travel for IHE This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with students participating in foreign exchange or study abroad programs. Consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs. Given the global outbreak of COVID-19, IHE should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs. IHE should consider asking current program participants to return to their home country. Those overseeing student foreign exchange programs should be aware that students may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad. IHEs should consider asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States. IHEs should work with state and local public health officials to determine the best approach for when and how (e.g., chartered transportation for countries or areas assessed as high-risk for exposure) their study abroad students might return. All plans for returning study abroad students should be designed to protect participants from stigma and discrimination. The COVID-19 situation is dynamic. Given the speed of spread and the number of countries experiencing human-to-human transmission, IHEs should evaluate the risks associated with choosing to maintain programs abroad and take the appropriate proactive measures. IHEs that continue to maintain programs abroad should monitor cdc.gov/COVID-19 for additional information. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 Page 9 of 9 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000091 Page 91 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 20:11:50 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Tonya Joiner;Cindy Rives;Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov;James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov;peter.hunter@mail.ho use.gov;Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov;Sawyer, Paul;Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov;Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov;Trokey, Claire;Trowbridge, Fred;Miller, Megan (Bel);Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov;Eby, Michael (Cassidy);Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy);Cambon, Allen;Bernhard, James;Cavell, David;McNabb, Brian (Cassidy);Chautin, John;Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov;Walecki, Jack;Morris, Brad;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Mike Steele Subject: FW: State Briefing on COVID-19 Attachments: Covid-19 FAQs 03022020 3.12PM.DOCX, COVID-19_Business_Guidance .docx, LawEnforcement_COVID-19.docx, Colleges_Universities_COVID-19.docx -----Original Appointment----From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 1:28 PM To: Casey Tingle; Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov; James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov; peter.hunter@mail.house.gov; Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov; Sawyer, Paul; Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov; Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov; Trokey, Claire; Trowbridge, Fred; Miller, Megan (Bel); Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov; Eby, Michael (Cassidy); Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy); Cambon, Allen; Bernhard, James; Cavell, David; McNabb, Brian (Cassidy); Chautin, John; Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov; Walecki, Jack; Morris, Brad; Christina Stephens; Alexander Billioux; Rosanne Prats; Jimmy Guidry (LDH); Christopher Guilbeaux; Tina Vanichchagorn; Aly Neel; Stephen Russo; Mike Steele Subject: State Briefing on COVID-19 When: Thursday, March 5, 2020 8:00 AM-9:00 AM (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada). Where: Conference Call Briefing for Louisiana Congressional Delegation on the latest state efforts on COVID-19. Conference Call Info: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 Attached are several informational pieces that may be helpful for your offices. Let me know if there are any questions. Thank you, Casey Tingle AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000092 Page 92 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Director Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 225-485-7451 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000093 Page 93 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Because the situation continues to evolve, this document will be regularly updated. The information below reflects the situation as of 03/02/2020. Q: Are there any confirmed cases in Louisiana? A: As of 03/02/20, there are no confirmed cases in Louisiana. Q: What is the current situation? A: While the CDC now expect community spread in some parts of the U.S., the immediate threat to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it is important to be prepared, which is what we have been doing since the outbreak in mainland China. Q: What is the protocol in place for responding to a pandemic like COVID-19? A: COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The CDC recommends using the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plan as our model for the response because COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The Louisiana Department of Health has been working on our Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the last 15 years, and we have been preparing for COVID-19 since early January 2020. The Governor directed the formation of a COVID-19 Task Force with representation from state agencies and federal partners key to preparing for a COVID-19 outbreak to guide updating pandemic flu and continuity of operations planning documents and advise the Unified Command Group. Q: What have you been doing as far as monitoring people who may have been exposed? A: Our first priority was to ensure we were monitoring any travelers who returned to Louisiana from visiting China, where many of the cases have occurred, and especially Wuhan, the city that experienced the largest outbreak. We touch base with those travelers each day and ask about their symptoms during a 14-day period of observation. We are also ensuring that travelers know the destinations where nonessential travel should be avoided. Q: Do we have the capability to test? A: We do have the capability to test for COVID-19 in-state. Providers should contact the Office of Public Health Division's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi). Testing is prioritized for individuals that meet clinical and risk criteria. Q: What’s the next major step in the Department’s plan for responding to an outbreak? A: Mirroring the federal government’s response, we are moving from a ‘containment’ approach in which we focused on restricting travel from the outbreak area in Wuhan city and Hubei province in China and monitoring returning travelers from other parts of China, to a ‘mitigation’ approach in which we anticipate and plan for person-to-person transmission in the community somewhere in the United States and ensure state and local governments, health care providers, schools, businesses, and community members are adequately prepared to take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We don’t want people to be alarmed, but we do want them to be prepared. We also want businesses and health care facilities to be prepared to make sure people are safe and protected so we can avoid an unnecessary spread, including planning now for actions that can be taken to avoid the spread of infections such as mandatory teleworking and canceling unnecessary large gatherings. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000094 Page 94 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM Q: What are you doing to make sure hospitals are prepared? A: LDH has been working with Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) and the ESF8 Network to prepare hospitals for an outbreak and ensure they have the proper supplies needed as well as protocols are in place for anyone treated who tests positive. We haven’t had any indication that hospitals don’t have what they need on the supply side. Q: Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? A: Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Q: Are you in regular contact with the federal government? A: Yes. We are in very regular contact with the CDC and HHS; we’re currently averaging several calls per week just with the CDC. In addition we have standing calls across state health departments and a standing call internally in Louisiana. This is all very important so that we all have the latest data, are on the same page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. Q: Should individuals and families have a plan if an outbreak occurs? There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. The same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu put you in a good position for any respiratory illness - cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot! Individuals and families should also monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for updated travel advisories before making plans to travel internationally. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000095 Page 95 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Louisiana Business, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19. Much is unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. CDC industry guidance   Resources for airlines Resources for the ship industry Coronavirus Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people, such as with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China and some limited person-to-person transmission has been reported in countries outside China, including the United States. However, respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza, are currently widespread in many U.S. communities. The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19. To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use only the guidance described below to determine risk of COVID-19. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other features of COVID-19, and investigations are ongoing. Updates are available on CDC’s webpage at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/covid19. Recommended strategies for employers to use now  Actively encourage sick employees to stay home: o Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of Page 1 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000096 Page 96 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o  Separate sick employees: o  CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available). Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees: o o o o o  fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies. Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way. Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual. Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen. Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees. Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% to 95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene. Visit the coughing and sneezing etiquette and clean hands webpage for more information. Perform routine environmental cleaning: o o Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time. Page 2 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000097 Page 97 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls and desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use. Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps:  o o o o  Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found at on the CDC website. Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed. If outside the United States, sick employees should follow your company’s policy for obtaining medical care or contact a healthcare provider or overseas medical assistance company to assist them with finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services. However, U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability and resources to evacuate or give medicines, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas. Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor Page 3 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000098 Page 98 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:         Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Additional measures in response to currently occurring sporadic importations of COVID-19: o Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. Planning for a possible COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The severity of illness or how many people will fall ill from COVID-19 is unknown at this time. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., employers should plan to be able to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to refine their business response plans as needed. For the general American public, such as workers in non-healthcare settings and where it is unlikely that work tasks create an increased risk of exposures to COVID-19, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. The CDC and its partners will continue to monitor national and international data on the severity of illness caused by COVID-19, will disseminate the results of these ongoing surveillance assessments and will make additional recommendations as needed. Page 4 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000099 Page 99 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Planning considerations All employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread of acute respiratory illness and lower the impact of COVID-19 in their workplace in the event of an outbreak in the US. They should identify and communicate their objectives, which may include one or more of the following: (a) reducing transmission among staff, (b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications, (c) maintaining business operations, and (d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains. Some of the key considerations when making decisions on appropriate responses are: Disease severity (i.e., number of people who are sick, hospitalization and death rates) in the community where the business is located;  Impact of disease on employees that are vulnerable and may be at higher risk for COVID-19 adverse health complications. Inform employees that some people may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.  Prepare for possible increased numbers of employee absences due to illness in employees and their family members, dismissals of early childhood programs and K-12 schools due to high levels of absenteeism or illness. o Employers should plan to monitor and respond to absenteeism at the workplace. Implement plans to continue your essential business functions in case you experience higher than usual absenteeism. o Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent. o Assess your essential functions and the reliance that others and the community have on your services or products. Be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations (e.g., identify alternative suppliers, prioritize customers, or temporarily suspend some of your operations if needed).  Employers with more than one business location are encouraged to provide local managers with the authority to take appropriate actions outlined in their business infectious disease outbreak response plan based on the condition in each locality.  Coordination with state and local health officials is strongly encouraged for all businesses so that timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses in each location where their operations reside. Since the intensity of an outbreak may differ according to geographic location, local health officials will be issuing guidance specific to their communities.  Important considerations for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan: All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. During a COVID-19 outbreak, all sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched surfaces should be performed regularly.  Employers should: Page 5 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000100 Page 100 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o Ensure the plan is flexible and involve your employees in developing and reviewing your plan. Conduct a focused discussion or exercise using your plan, to find out ahead of time whether the plan has gaps or problems that need to be corrected. Share your plan with employees and explain what human resources policies, workplace and leave flexibilities, and pay and benefits will be available to them. Share best practices with other businesses in your communities (especially those in your supply chain), chambers of commerce and associations to improve community response efforts. Recommendations for an infectious disease outbreak response plan:         Identify possible work-related exposure and health risks to your employees. OSHA has more information on how to protect workers from potential exposures to COVID-19. Review human resources policies to make sure that policies and practices are consistent with public health recommendations and are consistent with existing state and federal workplace laws (for more information on employer responsibilities, visit the Department of Labor’s and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s websites). Explore whether you can establish policies and practices, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and others if state and local health authorities recommend the use of social distancing strategies. For employees who are able to telework, supervisors should encourage employees to telework instead of coming into the workplace until symptoms are completely resolved. Ensure that you have the information technology and infrastructure needed to support multiple employees who may be able to work from home. Identify essential business functions, essential jobs or roles, and critical elements within your supply chains (e.g., raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products and logistics) required to maintain business operations. Plan for how your business will operate if there is increasing absenteeism or these supply chains are interrupted. Set up authorities, triggers and procedures for activating and terminating the company’s infectious disease outbreak response plan, altering business operations (e.g., possibly changing or closing operations in affected areas) and transferring business knowledge to key employees. Work closely with your local health officials to identify these triggers. Plan to minimize exposure between employees and also between employees and the public, if public health officials call for social distancing. Establish a process to communicate information to employees and business partners on your infectious disease outbreak response plans and latest COVID-19 information. Anticipate employee fear, anxiety, rumors and misinformation, and plan communications accordingly. In some communities, early childhood programs and K-12 schools may be dismissed, particularly if COVID-19 worsens. Determine how you will operate if absenteeism spikes from increases in sick employees, those who stay home to care for sick family members, and those who must stay home to watch their children if dismissed from school. Businesses and other employers should prepare to institute flexible workplace and leave policies for these employees. Page 6 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000101 Page 101 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Local conditions will influence the decisions that public health officials make regarding community-level strategies; employers should take the time now to learn about plans in place in each community where they have a business. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., consider canceling nonessential business travel to additional countries per travel guidance on the CDC website.   o o Travel restrictions may be enacted by other countries which may limit the ability of employees to return home if they become sick while on travel status. Consider cancelling large work-related meetings or events. Engage state and local health departments to confirm channels of communication and methods for dissemination of local outbreak information. Resources For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652    CDC guidance    COVID-19 Website What You Need to Know About COVID-19 What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19 Page 7 of 7 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000102 Page 102 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other areas, including the United States. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness.      Data suggests that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. The virus causing COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, of people who are nearby. Close contact may include: Being within approximately 6 feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. Having direct contact with body fluids (such as blood, phlegm, and respiratory droplets) from an individual with COVID-19. To protect yourself from exposure       If possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available and illicit drugs are NOT suspected to be present, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Have a trained Emergency Medical Service/ Emergency Medical Technician (EMS/EMT) assess and transport anyone you think might have COVID-19 to a healthcare facility. Ensure only trained personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) have contact with individuals who have or may have COVID-19. Learn your employer’s plan for exposure control and participate in all-hands training on the use of PPE for respiratory protection, If available. Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS. Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties. These alternative styles (i.e. coveralls) must provide protection that is at least as great as that provided by the minimum amount of PPE recommended. The minimum PPE recommended is: VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000103 Page 103 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health A single pair of disposable examination gloves, Disposable isolation gown or single-use/disposable coveralls*, Any NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e., N-95 or higher-level respirator), and Eye protection (i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that fully covers the front and sides of the face)     *If unable to wear a disposable gown or coveralls because it limits access to duty belt and gear, ensure duty belt and gear are disinfected after contact with individual. If close contact occurred during apprehension Clean and disinfect duty belt and gear prior to reuse using a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the product label. Follow standard operating procedures for the containment and disposal of used PPE. Follow standard operating procedures for containing and laundering clothes. Avoid shaking the clothes.    For law enforcement personnel performing daily routine activities, the immediate health risk is considered low. Law enforcement leadership and personnel should follow CDC’s Interim General Business Guidance. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000104 Page 104 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Louisiana Higher Education Administrator, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Please check the following CDC website periodically for updated interim guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Health officials are taking steps to prevent community spread of COVID-19 into U.S. communities. Institutions of higher education (IHE) can play an important role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments, IHE should disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission to their students, staff and faculty. IHE should prepare to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their students, staff and faculty should local health officials identify such a need. IHE should continue to collaborate, share information and review plans with local health officials to help protect their entire IHE community, including those who may be at risk for severe disease with COVID-19. IHE plans should be designed to minimize disruption to teaching and learning and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination. Who is this guidance for? This interim guidance is intended to help administrators of public and private institutions of higher education prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students, staff and faculty. IHE include a diverse set of American colleges and universities: two- or four-year; public, private nonprofit or private for-profit; and comprehensive, research-focused or special mission. IHE administrators are individuals who make policies and procedures, set educational aims and standards, and direct programming of institutions of higher education. Administrators include a range of higher education leaders and managers, such as department chairs/heads, deans, presidents and provosts. Why is this guidance being issued? Information provided should help IHE and their partners understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among students, faculty and staff. It also aims to help IHE react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching, learning and research if there is community spread of COVID-19 and address concerns related to COVID-19 associated stigma. Page 1 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000105 Page 105 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What is the role of IHE in responding to COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. Learn more about COVID-19. IHE, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of disease. IHE’s efforts will help ensure students, staff and faculty have safe and healthy environments in which to learn and work. IHE welcome students, staff, faculty and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in IHE settings, often sharing spaces, equipment and supplies. Some individuals are experiencing stigma and discrimination in the United States related to COVID-19. This includes people of Chinese and Asian descent, as well as some returning travelers and emergency responders who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important for IHE to provide accurate and timely information about COVID-19 to students, staff and faculty to minimize the potential for stigma on college and university campuses. It is also important to provide mental health support to promote resilience among those groups affected by stigma regarding COVID-19. CDC has information IHE can share to reduce COVID-19 associated fear and stigma. Guidance for IHE that do not have COVID-19 identified in their community To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for IHE to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, IHE should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks. IHE want to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities. IHE administrators nationwide can take steps now to help stop or slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19:  Review, update and implement emergency operations plans (EOPs). This should be done in collaboration with local health departments, the IHE’s university system and other relevant partners. Focus on components, or annexes, of the plans that address infectious disease outbreaks. o Ensure the plan is updated to include strategies to reduce the spread of a wide variety of infectious diseases. Effective strategies build on everyday policies and practices. o Ensure the plan emphasizes preventive actions for students and staff. Emphasize actions individuals can take including, staying home when sick, appropriately covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and washing hands often.  CDC has workplace resources including guidance posters with messages for staff about staying home when sick and how to avoid spreading germs at work. o Ensure handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Page 2 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000106 Page 106 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include health promotion materials and information on proper handwashing technique. Reference key resources while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP.  Multiple federal agencies have developed resources on school planning principles and a 6-step process for creating plans to build and continually foster safe and healthy school communities before, during and after possible emergencies. IHE may find this guidance for developing high-quality emergency operations plans helpful.  Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center’s website contains free resources, trainings and TA for schools, including IHE, and their community partners, including many tools and resources on emergency planning and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Develop information-sharing systems with partners.  Institutional information systems should be used for day-to-day reporting on information such as absenteeism or changes in student health center traffic to detect and respond to an outbreak.  Local health officials should be a key partner in information sharing.  o o  Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Page 3 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000107 Page 107 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)     o o o o o Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Monitor and plan for absenteeism.  Review attendance and sick leave policies. Students, staff and faculty should not attend class or work when sick. Allow them to stay home to care for sick household members. Make accommodations (e.g., extended due dates, electronic submission of assignments), as possible, for individuals who may be temporarily unable to attend class due to restrictions placed on them related to possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID19.  Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by crosstraining staff and faculty.  Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your institution and on your campus among students, staff and faculty. Consider identifying and implementing processes for faculty and IHE leadership to report noticeable changes in absenteeism, even if subjective, to a designated administrator.  Alert local health officials about large increases in student, staff and faculty absenteeism or substantial increases in student health center traffic due to respiratory illnesses (like the common cold or the “flu,” which have symptoms similar to symptoms of COVID-19).  Determine what level of absenteeism will disrupt continuity of teaching, learning, and research. Establish procedures for students, staff, and faculty who are sick (with any illness) on campus.  Establish procedures to ensure students, staff and faculty who become sick (with any illness) on campus or arrive on campus sick are sent to their place of residence as soon as possible.  Keep sick individuals separate from well individuals until they can leave.  Sick residents of on-campus housing in communities with no identified COVID-19 and who are not believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 should avoid contact with well individuals while sick. Ensure IHE health clinics prepare for COVID-19.  Review CDC guidance to help healthcare facilities prepare for COVID-19. Guidance includes steps to take now and strategies for preparing for community transmission of COVID-19. Perform routine environmental cleaning.  Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.  Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students, staff and faculty before each use. Create plans to communicate accurate and timely information to the IHE community. Page 4 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000108 Page 108 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Include strategies for sharing information with staff, students and faculty without increasing fear and stigma. Keeping the community informed with accurate information can counter the spread of misinformation and reduce the potential for fear and stigma.  Include strategies to communicate steps being taken by the IHE to prepare and how additional information will be shared.  Include strategies to communicate changes to usual campus schedules or functions.  Include strategies to communicate information IHE community members can use to protect themselves from infectious disease, including COVID-19. Review CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers.  Review this CDC guidance to identify any additional strategies the IHE can use, given its role as an employer.  o IHE administrators can also support their IHE community by sharing COVID-19 informational resources with students, staff and faculty. Coordinate with local health officials to determine what type of information is best to share with the IHE community. Consider sharing the following fact sheets and information sources:    Information about COVID-19 available through state and local health departments General fact sheets to help students, staff, faculty, and their families understand COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves: o What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pdf o What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) o Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 o Share facts about COVID-19 to help prevent stigma CDC information for students, staff, and faculty who have recently traveled back to the United States from areas where CDC has identified community spread of coronavirus: o A list of countries where community spread of COVID-19 is occurring can be found on the CDC webpage: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel For guidance for students, staff or faculty who plan to travel, or have recently traveled, to areas with community spread of COVID-19, refer to CDC’s FAQ for travelers and COVID-19 travel website. For specific guidance on foreign exchange and study abroad programs, see CDC’s guidance on student foreign travel for IHE. Guidance for IHE with identified cases of COVID-19 in their community If local health officials report that there are cases of COVID-19 in the community, IHE need to take additional steps in response to prevent further spread of the disease. The first step for IHE in this situation is to talk with local health officials. Determine if, when and for how long the IHE may need to suspend classes and postpone or cancel events and activities. Page 5 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000109 Page 109 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Temporarily suspending classes is a strategy to stop or slow the further spread of COVID-19 in communities. When classes are suspended, IHE may stay open for staff or faculty (unless ill) while students temporarily stop attending in-person classes. Keeping the IHE facilities open a) allows faculty to develop and deliver lessons and materials electronically, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning; and b) allows other staff members to continue to provide services and help with additional response efforts. IHE administrators should work in close collaboration with local health officials and the IHE’s university system to make class suspension and event and activity cancellation decisions. IHE are not expected to make decisions about suspending classes or canceling events on their own. IHE can seek specific guidance from local health officials to determine if, when and for how long to take these steps. Class suspension and event and activity (e.g., on-campus sporting, theater and music events) cancellation may be recommended for at least 14 days, or possibly longer if advised by local health officials. The nature of these actions (e.g., geographic scope, duration) may change as the local outbreak situation evolves. If a student, staff or faculty member attended class or was active on campus prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case:    Local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Individuals may be considered active on campus if they had attended class, work, work-study or some other type of gathering or event (e.g., student meetings, recreational activities) on campus. Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., all campuses in a university system or only select campuses) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-todate information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. IHE should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure. This communication to the IHE community should align with the communication plan in the IHE’s emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student, staff member or faculty member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. IHE administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students, staff and faculty should return to campus and what additional steps are needed for the IHE community. In addition, students, staff and faculty who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to campus. If classes are suspended, IHE can consider the following steps:   Temporarily cancel extracurricular group activities and large events. o Cancel or postpone events such as club meetings, performances, social events, athletic team practices and sporting events. Discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering or socializing anywhere. o Discourage gatherings at places like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant or a local coffee shop. Page 6 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000110 Page 110 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)  Ensure continuity of education and research. o Review continuity plans, including plans for the continuity of teaching, learning and research. Implement e-learning plans and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate. o Ensure continuity plans address how to temporarily postpone, limit or adapt research-related activities (e.g., study recruitment or participation, access to labs) in a manner that protects the safety of researchers, participants, facilities, and equipment. o Consider the following approaches:  Use of existing infrastructure and services (e.g., Blackboard, Skype, Zoom) to support efficient transition of classes from in-person to distance-based formats. This may include using strategies such as faculty check-ins, recorded class meetings or lectures, and live class meetings.  Other student support services such as online library services, print materials available online, phone- or internet-based counseling support, or study groups enabled through digital media. o IHE will need to determine, in consultation with their university system:  How to convert face-to-face lessons into online lessons and how to train faculty to do so.  How to triage technical issues if faced with limited IT support and staff  How to deal with the potential lack of students’ access to computers and the Internet at home or in temporary housing. o Ensure continuity of safe housing.  Work in close collaboration with local health officials to make all decisions related to on-campus housing.  If cases of COVID-19 have not been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, students may be allowed to remain in on-campus housing. In this situation, educate housing residents on the precautions they should take to help protect themselves when there is community spread of COVID-19. Residents should follow any more specific recommendations provided by local health officials.  If cases of COVID-19 have been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, work with local health officials to take additional precautions. Individuals with COVID-19 may need to be moved to temporary housing locations. These individuals will need to self-isolate and monitor for worsening symptoms according to the guidance of local health officials. Close contacts of the individuals with COVID-19 may also need temporary housing so that they can self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Consult with local health officials to determine when, how, and where to move ill residents. Information on providing home care to individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization is available on CDC’s website.  Residents identified with COVID-19 or identified as contacts of individuals with COVID-19 should not necessarily be sent to their permanent homes off-campus. Sending sick residents to their permanent homes could be unfeasible, pose logistical challenges or pose risk of transmission to others either on the way to the home or once there. IHEs should work with local health officials to determine appropriate housing for the period in which they need to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms or worsening symptoms. Page 7 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000111 Page 111 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Remember to consider all types of IHE-affiliated housing when making response plans. Distinct housing types (e.g., residence halls, apartments, fraternity and sorority houses) and situations (e.g., housing owned and run by the IHE, housing on the IHE campus but not run by the IHE) may require tailored approaches.  Ensure any staff remaining to support students in on-campus housing receive necessary training to protect themselves and residents from spread of COVID-19. Staff should also be trained on how to respond if a resident becomes ill. o Ensure continuity of meal programs.  Consult with local health officials to determine strategies for modifying food service offerings to the IHE community.  Consider ways to distribute food to students, particularly those who may remain on campus, while classes or other events and activities are dismissed.  If there is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid food distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as “graband-go” bagged lunches or meal delivery.  Consider if and how existing dining services should be scaled back or adapted. For example, an IHE may close some of or all its cafeterias/cafes to discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering in group settings.  If on-campus housing residents have been relocated to temporary alternative housing, consider how meals can be provided to these students. Work with local health officials to determine strategies for providing meals to residents with COVID-19 or who are being monitored because of contact with persons with COVID-19.  Ensure any staff remaining on campus to support food services receive necessary training to protect themselves and those they serve from spread of COVID-19. o Consider if and when to stop, scale back or modify other support services on campus.  Consider alternatives for providing students with essential medical and social services. Identify ways to ensure these services are provided while classes are dismissed or students are in temporary housing.  Identify other types of services provided to students, staff and faculty (e.g., library services, cleaning services). Consider ways to adapt these to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission while maintaining services deemed necessary.  Help counter stigma and promote resilience on campus.  Share facts about COVID-19 through trusted dissemination channels to counter the spread of misinformation and mitigate fear. o Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people. o Develop plans to support students, staff and faculty who may feel overwhelmed by COVID-19 and associated events on campus.  Ensure continuity of mental health services, such as offering remote counseling. Encourage students to call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) if they are feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression, anxiety or feeling like wanting to harm themselves or others.  Page 8 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000112 Page 112 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for student foreign travel for IHE This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with students participating in foreign exchange or study abroad programs. Consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs. Given the global outbreak of COVID-19, IHE should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs. IHE should consider asking current program participants to return to their home country. Those overseeing student foreign exchange programs should be aware that students may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad. IHEs should consider asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States. IHEs should work with state and local public health officials to determine the best approach for when and how (e.g., chartered transportation for countries or areas assessed as high-risk for exposure) their study abroad students might return. All plans for returning study abroad students should be designed to protect participants from stigma and discrimination. The COVID-19 situation is dynamic. Given the speed of spread and the number of countries experiencing human-to-human transmission, IHEs should evaluate the risks associated with choosing to maintain programs abroad and take the appropriate proactive measures. IHEs that continue to maintain programs abroad should monitor cdc.gov/COVID-19 for additional information. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 Page 9 of 9 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000113 Page 113 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 20:02:50 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Tonya Joiner;Cindy Rives;Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov;James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov;peter.hunter@mail.ho use.gov;Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov;Sawyer, Paul;Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov;Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov;Trokey, Claire;Trowbridge, Fred;Miller, Megan (Bel);Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov;Eby, Michael (Cassidy);Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy);Cambon, Allen;Bernhard, James;Cavell, David;McNabb, Brian (Cassidy);Chautin, John;Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov;Walecki, Jack;Morris, Brad;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Mike Steele Subject: FW: State Briefing on COVID-19 Attachments: Covid-19 FAQs 03022020 3.12PM.DOCX, COVID-19_Business_Guidance .docx, LawEnforcement_COVID-19.docx, Colleges_Universities_COVID-19.docx -----Original Appointment----From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 1:28 PM To: Casey Tingle; Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov; James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov; peter.hunter@mail.house.gov; Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov; Sawyer, Paul; Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov; Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov; Trokey, Claire; Trowbridge, Fred; Miller, Megan (Bel); Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov; Eby, Michael (Cassidy); Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy); Cambon, Allen; Bernhard, James; Cavell, David; McNabb, Brian (Cassidy); Chautin, John; Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov; Walecki, Jack; Morris, Brad; Christina Stephens; Alexander Billioux; Rosanne Prats; Jimmy Guidry (LDH); Christopher Guilbeaux; Tina Vanichchagorn; Aly Neel; Stephen Russo; Mike Steele Subject: State Briefing on COVID-19 When: Thursday, March 5, 2020 8:00 AM-9:00 AM (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada). Where: Conference Call Briefing for Louisiana Congressional Delegation on the latest state efforts on COVID-19. Conference Call Info: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 Attached are several informational pieces that may be helpful for your offices. Let me know if there are any questions. Thank you, Casey Tingle AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000114 Page 114 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Director Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 225-485-7451 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000115 Page 115 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Because the situation continues to evolve, this document will be regularly updated. The information below reflects the situation as of 03/02/2020. Q: Are there any confirmed cases in Louisiana? A: As of 03/02/20, there are no confirmed cases in Louisiana. Q: What is the current situation? A: While the CDC now expect community spread in some parts of the U.S., the immediate threat to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it is important to be prepared, which is what we have been doing since the outbreak in mainland China. Q: What is the protocol in place for responding to a pandemic like COVID-19? A: COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The CDC recommends using the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plan as our model for the response because COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The Louisiana Department of Health has been working on our Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the last 15 years, and we have been preparing for COVID-19 since early January 2020. The Governor directed the formation of a COVID-19 Task Force with representation from state agencies and federal partners key to preparing for a COVID-19 outbreak to guide updating pandemic flu and continuity of operations planning documents and advise the Unified Command Group. Q: What have you been doing as far as monitoring people who may have been exposed? A: Our first priority was to ensure we were monitoring any travelers who returned to Louisiana from visiting China, where many of the cases have occurred, and especially Wuhan, the city that experienced the largest outbreak. We touch base with those travelers each day and ask about their symptoms during a 14-day period of observation. We are also ensuring that travelers know the destinations where nonessential travel should be avoided. Q: Do we have the capability to test? A: We do have the capability to test for COVID-19 in-state. Providers should contact the Office of Public Health Division's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi). Testing is prioritized for individuals that meet clinical and risk criteria. Q: What’s the next major step in the Department’s plan for responding to an outbreak? A: Mirroring the federal government’s response, we are moving from a ‘containment’ approach in which we focused on restricting travel from the outbreak area in Wuhan city and Hubei province in China and monitoring returning travelers from other parts of China, to a ‘mitigation’ approach in which we anticipate and plan for person-to-person transmission in the community somewhere in the United States and ensure state and local governments, health care providers, schools, businesses, and community members are adequately prepared to take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We don’t want people to be alarmed, but we do want them to be prepared. We also want businesses and health care facilities to be prepared to make sure people are safe and protected so we can avoid an unnecessary spread, including planning now for actions that can be taken to avoid the spread of infections such as mandatory teleworking and canceling unnecessary large gatherings. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000116 Page 116 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM Q: What are you doing to make sure hospitals are prepared? A: LDH has been working with Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) and the ESF8 Network to prepare hospitals for an outbreak and ensure they have the proper supplies needed as well as protocols are in place for anyone treated who tests positive. We haven’t had any indication that hospitals don’t have what they need on the supply side. Q: Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? A: Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Q: Are you in regular contact with the federal government? A: Yes. We are in very regular contact with the CDC and HHS; we’re currently averaging several calls per week just with the CDC. In addition we have standing calls across state health departments and a standing call internally in Louisiana. This is all very important so that we all have the latest data, are on the same page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. Q: Should individuals and families have a plan if an outbreak occurs? There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. The same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu put you in a good position for any respiratory illness - cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot! Individuals and families should also monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for updated travel advisories before making plans to travel internationally. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000117 Page 117 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Louisiana Business, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19. Much is unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. CDC industry guidance   Resources for airlines Resources for the ship industry Coronavirus Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people, such as with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China and some limited person-to-person transmission has been reported in countries outside China, including the United States. However, respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza, are currently widespread in many U.S. communities. The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19. To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use only the guidance described below to determine risk of COVID-19. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other features of COVID-19, and investigations are ongoing. Updates are available on CDC’s webpage at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/covid19. Recommended strategies for employers to use now  Actively encourage sick employees to stay home: o Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of Page 1 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000118 Page 118 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o  Separate sick employees: o  CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available). Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees: o o o o o  fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies. Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way. Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual. Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen. Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees. Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% to 95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene. Visit the coughing and sneezing etiquette and clean hands webpage for more information. Perform routine environmental cleaning: o o Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time. Page 2 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000119 Page 119 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls and desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use. Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps:  o o o o  Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found at on the CDC website. Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed. If outside the United States, sick employees should follow your company’s policy for obtaining medical care or contact a healthcare provider or overseas medical assistance company to assist them with finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services. However, U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability and resources to evacuate or give medicines, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas. Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor Page 3 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000120 Page 120 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:         Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Additional measures in response to currently occurring sporadic importations of COVID-19: o Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. Planning for a possible COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The severity of illness or how many people will fall ill from COVID-19 is unknown at this time. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., employers should plan to be able to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to refine their business response plans as needed. For the general American public, such as workers in non-healthcare settings and where it is unlikely that work tasks create an increased risk of exposures to COVID-19, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. The CDC and its partners will continue to monitor national and international data on the severity of illness caused by COVID-19, will disseminate the results of these ongoing surveillance assessments and will make additional recommendations as needed. Page 4 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000121 Page 121 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Planning considerations All employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread of acute respiratory illness and lower the impact of COVID-19 in their workplace in the event of an outbreak in the US. They should identify and communicate their objectives, which may include one or more of the following: (a) reducing transmission among staff, (b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications, (c) maintaining business operations, and (d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains. Some of the key considerations when making decisions on appropriate responses are: Disease severity (i.e., number of people who are sick, hospitalization and death rates) in the community where the business is located;  Impact of disease on employees that are vulnerable and may be at higher risk for COVID-19 adverse health complications. Inform employees that some people may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.  Prepare for possible increased numbers of employee absences due to illness in employees and their family members, dismissals of early childhood programs and K-12 schools due to high levels of absenteeism or illness. o Employers should plan to monitor and respond to absenteeism at the workplace. Implement plans to continue your essential business functions in case you experience higher than usual absenteeism. o Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent. o Assess your essential functions and the reliance that others and the community have on your services or products. Be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations (e.g., identify alternative suppliers, prioritize customers, or temporarily suspend some of your operations if needed).  Employers with more than one business location are encouraged to provide local managers with the authority to take appropriate actions outlined in their business infectious disease outbreak response plan based on the condition in each locality.  Coordination with state and local health officials is strongly encouraged for all businesses so that timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses in each location where their operations reside. Since the intensity of an outbreak may differ according to geographic location, local health officials will be issuing guidance specific to their communities.  Important considerations for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan: All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. During a COVID-19 outbreak, all sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched surfaces should be performed regularly.  Employers should: Page 5 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000122 Page 122 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o Ensure the plan is flexible and involve your employees in developing and reviewing your plan. Conduct a focused discussion or exercise using your plan, to find out ahead of time whether the plan has gaps or problems that need to be corrected. Share your plan with employees and explain what human resources policies, workplace and leave flexibilities, and pay and benefits will be available to them. Share best practices with other businesses in your communities (especially those in your supply chain), chambers of commerce and associations to improve community response efforts. Recommendations for an infectious disease outbreak response plan:         Identify possible work-related exposure and health risks to your employees. OSHA has more information on how to protect workers from potential exposures to COVID-19. Review human resources policies to make sure that policies and practices are consistent with public health recommendations and are consistent with existing state and federal workplace laws (for more information on employer responsibilities, visit the Department of Labor’s and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s websites). Explore whether you can establish policies and practices, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and others if state and local health authorities recommend the use of social distancing strategies. For employees who are able to telework, supervisors should encourage employees to telework instead of coming into the workplace until symptoms are completely resolved. Ensure that you have the information technology and infrastructure needed to support multiple employees who may be able to work from home. Identify essential business functions, essential jobs or roles, and critical elements within your supply chains (e.g., raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products and logistics) required to maintain business operations. Plan for how your business will operate if there is increasing absenteeism or these supply chains are interrupted. Set up authorities, triggers and procedures for activating and terminating the company’s infectious disease outbreak response plan, altering business operations (e.g., possibly changing or closing operations in affected areas) and transferring business knowledge to key employees. Work closely with your local health officials to identify these triggers. Plan to minimize exposure between employees and also between employees and the public, if public health officials call for social distancing. Establish a process to communicate information to employees and business partners on your infectious disease outbreak response plans and latest COVID-19 information. Anticipate employee fear, anxiety, rumors and misinformation, and plan communications accordingly. In some communities, early childhood programs and K-12 schools may be dismissed, particularly if COVID-19 worsens. Determine how you will operate if absenteeism spikes from increases in sick employees, those who stay home to care for sick family members, and those who must stay home to watch their children if dismissed from school. Businesses and other employers should prepare to institute flexible workplace and leave policies for these employees. Page 6 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000123 Page 123 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Local conditions will influence the decisions that public health officials make regarding community-level strategies; employers should take the time now to learn about plans in place in each community where they have a business. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., consider canceling nonessential business travel to additional countries per travel guidance on the CDC website.   o o Travel restrictions may be enacted by other countries which may limit the ability of employees to return home if they become sick while on travel status. Consider cancelling large work-related meetings or events. Engage state and local health departments to confirm channels of communication and methods for dissemination of local outbreak information. Resources For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652    CDC guidance    COVID-19 Website What You Need to Know About COVID-19 What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19 Page 7 of 7 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000124 Page 124 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other areas, including the United States. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness.      Data suggests that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. The virus causing COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, of people who are nearby. Close contact may include: Being within approximately 6 feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. Having direct contact with body fluids (such as blood, phlegm, and respiratory droplets) from an individual with COVID-19. To protect yourself from exposure       If possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available and illicit drugs are NOT suspected to be present, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Have a trained Emergency Medical Service/ Emergency Medical Technician (EMS/EMT) assess and transport anyone you think might have COVID-19 to a healthcare facility. Ensure only trained personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) have contact with individuals who have or may have COVID-19. Learn your employer’s plan for exposure control and participate in all-hands training on the use of PPE for respiratory protection, If available. Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS. Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties. These alternative styles (i.e. coveralls) must provide protection that is at least as great as that provided by the minimum amount of PPE recommended. The minimum PPE recommended is: VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000125 Page 125 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health A single pair of disposable examination gloves, Disposable isolation gown or single-use/disposable coveralls*, Any NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e., N-95 or higher-level respirator), and Eye protection (i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that fully covers the front and sides of the face)     *If unable to wear a disposable gown or coveralls because it limits access to duty belt and gear, ensure duty belt and gear are disinfected after contact with individual. If close contact occurred during apprehension Clean and disinfect duty belt and gear prior to reuse using a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the product label. Follow standard operating procedures for the containment and disposal of used PPE. Follow standard operating procedures for containing and laundering clothes. Avoid shaking the clothes.    For law enforcement personnel performing daily routine activities, the immediate health risk is considered low. Law enforcement leadership and personnel should follow CDC’s Interim General Business Guidance. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000126 Page 126 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Louisiana Higher Education Administrator, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Please check the following CDC website periodically for updated interim guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Health officials are taking steps to prevent community spread of COVID-19 into U.S. communities. Institutions of higher education (IHE) can play an important role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments, IHE should disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission to their students, staff and faculty. IHE should prepare to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their students, staff and faculty should local health officials identify such a need. IHE should continue to collaborate, share information and review plans with local health officials to help protect their entire IHE community, including those who may be at risk for severe disease with COVID-19. IHE plans should be designed to minimize disruption to teaching and learning and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination. Who is this guidance for? This interim guidance is intended to help administrators of public and private institutions of higher education prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students, staff and faculty. IHE include a diverse set of American colleges and universities: two- or four-year; public, private nonprofit or private for-profit; and comprehensive, research-focused or special mission. IHE administrators are individuals who make policies and procedures, set educational aims and standards, and direct programming of institutions of higher education. Administrators include a range of higher education leaders and managers, such as department chairs/heads, deans, presidents and provosts. Why is this guidance being issued? Information provided should help IHE and their partners understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among students, faculty and staff. It also aims to help IHE react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching, learning and research if there is community spread of COVID-19 and address concerns related to COVID-19 associated stigma. Page 1 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000127 Page 127 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What is the role of IHE in responding to COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. Learn more about COVID-19. IHE, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of disease. IHE’s efforts will help ensure students, staff and faculty have safe and healthy environments in which to learn and work. IHE welcome students, staff, faculty and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in IHE settings, often sharing spaces, equipment and supplies. Some individuals are experiencing stigma and discrimination in the United States related to COVID-19. This includes people of Chinese and Asian descent, as well as some returning travelers and emergency responders who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important for IHE to provide accurate and timely information about COVID-19 to students, staff and faculty to minimize the potential for stigma on college and university campuses. It is also important to provide mental health support to promote resilience among those groups affected by stigma regarding COVID-19. CDC has information IHE can share to reduce COVID-19 associated fear and stigma. Guidance for IHE that do not have COVID-19 identified in their community To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for IHE to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, IHE should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks. IHE want to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities. IHE administrators nationwide can take steps now to help stop or slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19:  Review, update and implement emergency operations plans (EOPs). This should be done in collaboration with local health departments, the IHE’s university system and other relevant partners. Focus on components, or annexes, of the plans that address infectious disease outbreaks. o Ensure the plan is updated to include strategies to reduce the spread of a wide variety of infectious diseases. Effective strategies build on everyday policies and practices. o Ensure the plan emphasizes preventive actions for students and staff. Emphasize actions individuals can take including, staying home when sick, appropriately covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and washing hands often.  CDC has workplace resources including guidance posters with messages for staff about staying home when sick and how to avoid spreading germs at work. o Ensure handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Page 2 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000128 Page 128 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include health promotion materials and information on proper handwashing technique. Reference key resources while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP.  Multiple federal agencies have developed resources on school planning principles and a 6-step process for creating plans to build and continually foster safe and healthy school communities before, during and after possible emergencies. IHE may find this guidance for developing high-quality emergency operations plans helpful.  Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center’s website contains free resources, trainings and TA for schools, including IHE, and their community partners, including many tools and resources on emergency planning and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Develop information-sharing systems with partners.  Institutional information systems should be used for day-to-day reporting on information such as absenteeism or changes in student health center traffic to detect and respond to an outbreak.  Local health officials should be a key partner in information sharing.  o o  Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Page 3 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000129 Page 129 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)     o o o o o Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Monitor and plan for absenteeism.  Review attendance and sick leave policies. Students, staff and faculty should not attend class or work when sick. Allow them to stay home to care for sick household members. Make accommodations (e.g., extended due dates, electronic submission of assignments), as possible, for individuals who may be temporarily unable to attend class due to restrictions placed on them related to possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID19.  Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by crosstraining staff and faculty.  Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your institution and on your campus among students, staff and faculty. Consider identifying and implementing processes for faculty and IHE leadership to report noticeable changes in absenteeism, even if subjective, to a designated administrator.  Alert local health officials about large increases in student, staff and faculty absenteeism or substantial increases in student health center traffic due to respiratory illnesses (like the common cold or the “flu,” which have symptoms similar to symptoms of COVID-19).  Determine what level of absenteeism will disrupt continuity of teaching, learning, and research. Establish procedures for students, staff, and faculty who are sick (with any illness) on campus.  Establish procedures to ensure students, staff and faculty who become sick (with any illness) on campus or arrive on campus sick are sent to their place of residence as soon as possible.  Keep sick individuals separate from well individuals until they can leave.  Sick residents of on-campus housing in communities with no identified COVID-19 and who are not believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 should avoid contact with well individuals while sick. Ensure IHE health clinics prepare for COVID-19.  Review CDC guidance to help healthcare facilities prepare for COVID-19. Guidance includes steps to take now and strategies for preparing for community transmission of COVID-19. Perform routine environmental cleaning.  Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.  Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students, staff and faculty before each use. Create plans to communicate accurate and timely information to the IHE community. Page 4 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000130 Page 130 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Include strategies for sharing information with staff, students and faculty without increasing fear and stigma. Keeping the community informed with accurate information can counter the spread of misinformation and reduce the potential for fear and stigma.  Include strategies to communicate steps being taken by the IHE to prepare and how additional information will be shared.  Include strategies to communicate changes to usual campus schedules or functions.  Include strategies to communicate information IHE community members can use to protect themselves from infectious disease, including COVID-19. Review CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers.  Review this CDC guidance to identify any additional strategies the IHE can use, given its role as an employer.  o IHE administrators can also support their IHE community by sharing COVID-19 informational resources with students, staff and faculty. Coordinate with local health officials to determine what type of information is best to share with the IHE community. Consider sharing the following fact sheets and information sources:    Information about COVID-19 available through state and local health departments General fact sheets to help students, staff, faculty, and their families understand COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves: o What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pdf o What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) o Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 o Share facts about COVID-19 to help prevent stigma CDC information for students, staff, and faculty who have recently traveled back to the United States from areas where CDC has identified community spread of coronavirus: o A list of countries where community spread of COVID-19 is occurring can be found on the CDC webpage: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel For guidance for students, staff or faculty who plan to travel, or have recently traveled, to areas with community spread of COVID-19, refer to CDC’s FAQ for travelers and COVID-19 travel website. For specific guidance on foreign exchange and study abroad programs, see CDC’s guidance on student foreign travel for IHE. Guidance for IHE with identified cases of COVID-19 in their community If local health officials report that there are cases of COVID-19 in the community, IHE need to take additional steps in response to prevent further spread of the disease. The first step for IHE in this situation is to talk with local health officials. Determine if, when and for how long the IHE may need to suspend classes and postpone or cancel events and activities. Page 5 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000131 Page 131 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Temporarily suspending classes is a strategy to stop or slow the further spread of COVID-19 in communities. When classes are suspended, IHE may stay open for staff or faculty (unless ill) while students temporarily stop attending in-person classes. Keeping the IHE facilities open a) allows faculty to develop and deliver lessons and materials electronically, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning; and b) allows other staff members to continue to provide services and help with additional response efforts. IHE administrators should work in close collaboration with local health officials and the IHE’s university system to make class suspension and event and activity cancellation decisions. IHE are not expected to make decisions about suspending classes or canceling events on their own. IHE can seek specific guidance from local health officials to determine if, when and for how long to take these steps. Class suspension and event and activity (e.g., on-campus sporting, theater and music events) cancellation may be recommended for at least 14 days, or possibly longer if advised by local health officials. The nature of these actions (e.g., geographic scope, duration) may change as the local outbreak situation evolves. If a student, staff or faculty member attended class or was active on campus prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case:    Local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Individuals may be considered active on campus if they had attended class, work, work-study or some other type of gathering or event (e.g., student meetings, recreational activities) on campus. Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., all campuses in a university system or only select campuses) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-todate information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. IHE should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure. This communication to the IHE community should align with the communication plan in the IHE’s emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student, staff member or faculty member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. IHE administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students, staff and faculty should return to campus and what additional steps are needed for the IHE community. In addition, students, staff and faculty who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to campus. If classes are suspended, IHE can consider the following steps:   Temporarily cancel extracurricular group activities and large events. o Cancel or postpone events such as club meetings, performances, social events, athletic team practices and sporting events. Discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering or socializing anywhere. o Discourage gatherings at places like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant or a local coffee shop. Page 6 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000132 Page 132 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)  Ensure continuity of education and research. o Review continuity plans, including plans for the continuity of teaching, learning and research. Implement e-learning plans and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate. o Ensure continuity plans address how to temporarily postpone, limit or adapt research-related activities (e.g., study recruitment or participation, access to labs) in a manner that protects the safety of researchers, participants, facilities, and equipment. o Consider the following approaches:  Use of existing infrastructure and services (e.g., Blackboard, Skype, Zoom) to support efficient transition of classes from in-person to distance-based formats. This may include using strategies such as faculty check-ins, recorded class meetings or lectures, and live class meetings.  Other student support services such as online library services, print materials available online, phone- or internet-based counseling support, or study groups enabled through digital media. o IHE will need to determine, in consultation with their university system:  How to convert face-to-face lessons into online lessons and how to train faculty to do so.  How to triage technical issues if faced with limited IT support and staff  How to deal with the potential lack of students’ access to computers and the Internet at home or in temporary housing. o Ensure continuity of safe housing.  Work in close collaboration with local health officials to make all decisions related to on-campus housing.  If cases of COVID-19 have not been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, students may be allowed to remain in on-campus housing. In this situation, educate housing residents on the precautions they should take to help protect themselves when there is community spread of COVID-19. Residents should follow any more specific recommendations provided by local health officials.  If cases of COVID-19 have been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, work with local health officials to take additional precautions. Individuals with COVID-19 may need to be moved to temporary housing locations. These individuals will need to self-isolate and monitor for worsening symptoms according to the guidance of local health officials. Close contacts of the individuals with COVID-19 may also need temporary housing so that they can self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Consult with local health officials to determine when, how, and where to move ill residents. Information on providing home care to individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization is available on CDC’s website.  Residents identified with COVID-19 or identified as contacts of individuals with COVID-19 should not necessarily be sent to their permanent homes off-campus. Sending sick residents to their permanent homes could be unfeasible, pose logistical challenges or pose risk of transmission to others either on the way to the home or once there. IHEs should work with local health officials to determine appropriate housing for the period in which they need to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms or worsening symptoms. Page 7 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000133 Page 133 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Remember to consider all types of IHE-affiliated housing when making response plans. Distinct housing types (e.g., residence halls, apartments, fraternity and sorority houses) and situations (e.g., housing owned and run by the IHE, housing on the IHE campus but not run by the IHE) may require tailored approaches.  Ensure any staff remaining to support students in on-campus housing receive necessary training to protect themselves and residents from spread of COVID-19. Staff should also be trained on how to respond if a resident becomes ill. o Ensure continuity of meal programs.  Consult with local health officials to determine strategies for modifying food service offerings to the IHE community.  Consider ways to distribute food to students, particularly those who may remain on campus, while classes or other events and activities are dismissed.  If there is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid food distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as “graband-go” bagged lunches or meal delivery.  Consider if and how existing dining services should be scaled back or adapted. For example, an IHE may close some of or all its cafeterias/cafes to discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering in group settings.  If on-campus housing residents have been relocated to temporary alternative housing, consider how meals can be provided to these students. Work with local health officials to determine strategies for providing meals to residents with COVID-19 or who are being monitored because of contact with persons with COVID-19.  Ensure any staff remaining on campus to support food services receive necessary training to protect themselves and those they serve from spread of COVID-19. o Consider if and when to stop, scale back or modify other support services on campus.  Consider alternatives for providing students with essential medical and social services. Identify ways to ensure these services are provided while classes are dismissed or students are in temporary housing.  Identify other types of services provided to students, staff and faculty (e.g., library services, cleaning services). Consider ways to adapt these to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission while maintaining services deemed necessary.  Help counter stigma and promote resilience on campus.  Share facts about COVID-19 through trusted dissemination channels to counter the spread of misinformation and mitigate fear. o Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people. o Develop plans to support students, staff and faculty who may feel overwhelmed by COVID-19 and associated events on campus.  Ensure continuity of mental health services, such as offering remote counseling. Encourage students to call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) if they are feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression, anxiety or feeling like wanting to harm themselves or others.  Page 8 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000134 Page 134 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for student foreign travel for IHE This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with students participating in foreign exchange or study abroad programs. Consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs. Given the global outbreak of COVID-19, IHE should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs. IHE should consider asking current program participants to return to their home country. Those overseeing student foreign exchange programs should be aware that students may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad. IHEs should consider asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States. IHEs should work with state and local public health officials to determine the best approach for when and how (e.g., chartered transportation for countries or areas assessed as high-risk for exposure) their study abroad students might return. All plans for returning study abroad students should be designed to protect participants from stigma and discrimination. The COVID-19 situation is dynamic. Given the speed of spread and the number of countries experiencing human-to-human transmission, IHEs should evaluate the risks associated with choosing to maintain programs abroad and take the appropriate proactive measures. IHEs that continue to maintain programs abroad should monitor cdc.gov/COVID-19 for additional information. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 Page 9 of 9 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000135 Page 135 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Omar Khalid Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:39:02 -0500 Christina Stephens Aly Neel;David Timoll FW: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Christina--just received word below that Mayor Cantrell will not be attending the press conference tomorrow. From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 4:38 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good afternoon Omar, I was just informed that Mayor Cantrell will not be attending the press conference tomorrow. Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:48 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Yes, Mayor is confirmed. Thanks Omar Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000136 Page 136 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:23 PM To: Catrina M. Simmons ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Hi Catrina, we are working out some details but this is what we have so far. We are asking that the 9:15 meeting be attended by only Mayor Cantrell and Dr. Avegno or her designee as space will be limited. I’m happy to answer any additional questions, please let me know if we can confirm this so I can let the Gov’s office know. Thanks for your assistance with this! Thanks, Omar Thursday March 12: 09:15 AM – 09:45 AM Discussion with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana)  Opportunity to talk about the status of COVID-19 in Louisiana prior to press event  Mayor Cantrell, Mayor Broome, President Lee Sheng, President Cooper  Area hospital executives (5 max) This will be an informal, unstructured opportunity for the participants to discuss the situation with the Governor and Surgeon General, with a small group of hospital executives in attendance. Please limit staff to one for this discussion 09:45 AM – 10:15 AM Press Event with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana) VERSIGHT  Proposed Run of Show:  9:45 Welcome and opening comments by Governor Edwards LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000137 Page 137 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health  9:55 Introductory comments by Surgeon General RADM Jerome Adams, MD  10:05 questions fielded by Governor Edwards and the Surgeon General From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:08 PM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good afternoon Omar, Can you forward a run of show or agenda for the press conference? Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:46 AM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Good Morning Dr. Avegno, I spoke to the mayor and have placed the press conference on the mayor’s calendar. Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000138 Page 138 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 9:53 AM To: Catrina M. Simmons Subject: Fwd: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Please see urgent request for the mayor tomorrow From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 9:51 AM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Cc: Alexander Billioux; Joseph Kanter Subject: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Good Morning Dr. Avegno, My thoughts are definitely with you, I can imagine how challenging these days are like for you and your team. As you know we are working with the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States to schedule a visit to Louisiana. While this was intended to be a routine visit when originally planned, the spread of COVID-19 has meant that we have had to do some scrambling to change and add some events. The Surgeon General will now be holding a press conference with Governor Edwards tomorrow morning at 9:15am-10:15am at the Governor’s office at the Capitol. We would like for the Mayors/Parish Presidents of areas with presumptive positives for COVID-19 cases to be in attendance, with an opportunity to meet privately with the Governor and Surgeon General and other municipal leaders. Of course this is very short notice, but due to the rapid developments of this situation and the profile of the event, we would be very grateful if Mayor Cantrell could attend. So far Mayor Broome has been invited and Parish President Lee Sheng has confirmed. We are also reaching out to Parish President Cooper in St. Tammany. Schedule: 9:00 9:15 meeting with Governor Edwards, Surgeon General Adams, and Mayors Cantrell and Broome/Presidents Lee Sheng and Cooper 9:30 Press Conference Happy to discuss this further by phone if you’d like. Thanks, Omar Khalid Pronouns: He/Him/His A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000139 Page 139 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Chief of Staff Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 omar.khalid@la.gov 225-953-2784 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH "'· t, ERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000140 Page 140 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Tonya Joiner Thu, 5 Mar 2020 17:24:18 +0000 Matthew Block;Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens Stephen Russo;Aly Neel Fwd: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the email below the General’s team with times to schedule a call to discuss press event and mtg with Governor. Please let me know your availability and I am happy to coordinate. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR)" Date: March 5, 2020 at 10:06:04 AM CST To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel , Omar Khalid , Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm-230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000141 Page 141 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000142 Page 142 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000143 Page 143 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\'\J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000144 Page 144 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Tonya.Joiner@la.gov Thu, 5 Mar 2020 11:24:17 -0600 Matthew Block;Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens Stephen Russo;Aly Neel Fwd: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the email below the General’s team with times to schedule a call to discuss press event and mtg with Governor. Please let me know your availability and I am happy to coordinate. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR)" Date: March 5, 2020 at 10:06:04 AM CST To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel , Omar Khalid , Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm-230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000145 Page 145 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000146 Page 146 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000147 Page 147 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\'\J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000148 Page 148 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Matthew Block Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:16:31 -0500 Mark Cooper;Casey Tingle;Cindy Rives Fwd: Rep. GG (LA-06) 20200313204453808.pdf, ATT00001.htm Matthew F. Block Executive Counsel to the Governor matthew.block@la.gov Begin forwarded message: From: "Graves, Garret" Date: March 13, 2020 at 7:36:00 PM CDT To: Matthew Block Subject: FW: Rep. GG (LA-06) EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Wanted you to look through some of this. It is a draft of the 2nd emergency coronavirus supplemental. We have flagged some sections where the state would have to make a request. Thought you might want to start working on some of this. Current version is 108 pages. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000149 Page 149 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health H:\XMJ.\1'¥20\SUPP\Fl)SP.C\SUSPIFDSECSUSP .XMT. H:\XMI.\FY20\SUPP\l~)SP.C\SUSPIFDSH CSUSP.XMT, 2 SECTION 1. SHORT TI'l'LE. 2 Suspend the Rules and Pa•s the Bill, H.R. 6201, with an Amendment (The amendment '!'his Ac!. may Im cited as the "]<'amilies l<'h·s t · 3 Coronavim~ RcRpDnReAct". strikes nil after the enacting clause and inserta a new text) 4 SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 5 'rhe table of 'ICE ST.All!LIZATION AND ACCESS ACT OF 2020 DIVISION E- EMEltGEXCY PAID SICK L EAVE ACT nIVIS!ON F-HIML'l'H IN THEJ HOUSE OF REPRESENTA'rIVES PHOVTSIONS Dl\lTSION 0 - T,I.X OUEDJTS FOlt !'.AID SICK .\ND PAID FAb.ULY MAltCH 11, 2020 i'l'lrs.LOWEY(for hcrsclr, Mr. ScO'n of Yirginio, Mr. NEAL, Mr. Bnmol' of Georg-in,Ms. DELaUltO, Air. P.u ,r.oNE, nn p1·oprint.io1u.,and in aclcJitfon tn tlw Commitlt'<:'8on lhc Budget .• nn1l ,vuys aml Moons, for n period to be snbscqncntly determined by !11e Speaker, in cueh eus.c for ton~i(lcmtion or!l.u(!h prmisions u:,:;fall within the jw·h,dfotion of th ~ comrniUeeto1werned AND ~IEDICAT, T,RA'i'E D!VTSIOX H-JJUDOETAIIY EFFEC'fS 6 SEC. 8. REFERENCES. 7 Except as expr esslJ• provided otherwise, any rcforence 8 to "t.lris Act" contained iu any di,~sion of this Act shall 9 be treate d as referring only to the provisions of that divi10 sion. A BILL 11 DIVISION A-SECOND Making emergency supplemental appropriat.io1L~for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, aud for other purpose s. Be it enacted by the Senate a.ml House o.fRepre.mita2 tivr.s of the Un-itedState.~of Amel'ica in Congressassembled, CORONAVIRUS PRE- 12 PAREDNESS AND RESPONSE SUPPLE- 13 MENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020 14 The following snms ar e hereby nppropriated, out of 15 any moue~· in the Treasur;I' not. otherwise appropriated, 16 • for tl1e tfae11lyear ending September 30, 2020, and for 17 other J)lll'poscs, namely: L:\VA'll>31320\A.0 31:l20.033.xml Man:h 13, 2020 (5:20 p.m.) (75853011) L:IVAVJ31320IA03 1320.033.xml Ma,ch I 3, 2020 (5:29 p.m.) (75853011) AME:filCAN pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000150 Page 150 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 151 of 483 .lH~ISl::13Acf Louisiana Department of Health LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000151 NVOlt:13 V'JV H:\XMT,\l"Y20\SUrPIPilSF.CISUSP\PllSECSUSP.XMI, H:\XMJ,\FY20\SUPP\l'llSliC\SlJSJ'\l'llSl!CSUSP.XMJ, 4 3 to sect.ion 25l(b)(2)(1\.)(i) of tl1e Balnncell Budget. and 'J'I'I'LE I DEPAH!rMgN•r m~ AGRICULTURE 2 l◄'UOD AND NU'l'lll'l'ION 3 4 2 Emergency Deficit Control .Act of 1985. 3 Slm\'ffJTI: 4 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL XUTBI'l'ION PHOGHA)[ FOlt 5 WOMEN, INl•'A.r.\/'fS, AND cmr,mtgN GENlmAT, 1'JWVTSION8 - 'l'I1TS 'rI'l'I,E SEC. 1101. (a) l'IIBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY,-Dur- 5 ing' fism1l ~,ear 2020, in any mrne in whic,h a school is closed (\VTC) For an addit.ionnl amount for the "Special Supple- 6 for 11t leai;t 5 eonseentive days during a public: health 7 mental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Chil- 7 cmcrgl'ney dc,signation during which the srhool w011ldot.h- t-0 remain iwnilable through Sep• 8 erwise be hi sessio11,e1wh household eontaini11g at least 9 tember 30, 2021: l'!Ywic/r,d,Tl.mt 8uch amouut is des- 9 1 member who is an eligible ehild at.tending the sehool 6 8 rlren", $500,000,000, 10 ig11nfodhy tho Congrt,88 as hui11g f'or an umurgmwy l'U- 11 quircme11t pmsuant to section 25l{b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- IO shall lw diRihlc, to rcet\iVBn,;,;ist:arwo 11m·mmnl.to a Ht.ate 11 agency plan approved under subsection (b). (b) ASSIS'l'ANCl!. - 'l'o carry out this sect.ion, the Sec- 12 ancecl Budg'Ot and Emorgener Deficit Control Acit of 1985. 12 13 may appi·ovo State agency plarn; fo1· 13 rclmy of' Ag1·ic11lt.mo cmmoDTTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM For an additiorrnl amount for the "Commorliiy As- 14 tompora1·)' enwrgcucy staudal'Cls of eligibilit.~,aud levels of 15 siHhmce Program" for the emergency food assistmwe pro- 15 be11efits under the Food aml Nut.ritiou Act. of 2008 (7 14 ~11- 16 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) for households with eligihle childrcu. anrl section 17 PlanN appmvc1I by the Suerctary ,;hall provide for supplu- 18 204(11)(1) of the Erncrgcncy Food Assistance Act of 1983 18 mental allotments to households l'C(!eiving benefits under 19 (7 U.S.C. 7fi08(a)(l)}, $400,000,000, to remain available 19 suc,h Aot, und issuances to households not alreacl~•receiv- 16 l!,Tlllll as authorized hy section 27(a) of the l<'oocland 17 trition Act of 2008 (7 U.RC. 2036(a)) 20 through Sept.ember 80, 2021: Provided, Tlmt of t.110fu11ds 20 i.ng benefits. Sneh level of benefits slrnll be determined b~• 21 marle available, the Seeretmy may use up to $100,000,000 21 tlte Secretary in an amouut not less than the Yaluc of 22 for eosts assoc,iaterl with the distribution of commodities: 22 meals nt the free rllte over the course of 5 Hdtool days 23 Pmvided .fkrtl1er, 'I'hat. s11ch amount is clesi~l!ltetl hy tlie 23 for each eli~hle chilclin the hmrnehold. 24 CongruRsas buin~ fol' an urnct'b>"Ulley ruquircmcnt purnuirnt 24 (c) MTNDfUi\1 CLOSURE R,:r,:q1mlE)fEXT.-Thu ScSEC\SUSl'\FDSF.CSUSl'.XMI. 7 8 (i) l<'UNnTNG.-Thci·c arc hcrcb~, nppropriatcd to the 2 Scel'chll'.I' of Agricnlt111·cstwh mnom,ts as are_1wecsw·}'. /' 3 to catTy ont this suet.ion: Pnwided, 'PliaL suc li 4 rlesigwifod by the Congrel!s as being for i1111otmt is m1 cmcrgcucy rc- 5 q\1irement pmsmn1t to Redion 251(h)(2)(.A)(i) of the Bal- ' j ~t-~::,-· Col'Omlvirns Respom;e Aet (ol' the ndminist.1·nt.ionof 1mch ~ 2 products): Provided, 'l'lrnt. snc-.hmnonnt is dcsig11atcd by J~.)tu<..-.1 . ! .;)__ .,,,. 3 the Ccmgrnss as ht,ing- ['or an umu1-;wnc)'1·uqui1·emenipurIf ...?) 4 i;uant to suction 25l(b)(2)(A)(i) of tlm Bnluueecl Budget 5· inul Bmcrgene)· Deficit Control Act of 1985. 6 mwed B,1dg<>tnnrl Emergm1ey Desffoit Control .A.citof Hl8fi, 6 TITLE III 7 SEC. 1102. In ;uldition to Hmonnts otlrnrwisi, marle 7 DEPARTiVIEXTOF THE TREAHURY 8 available, $100,000,000, to remain nwiilable throngh Sep- 8 9 tem her 30, 2021, shall he 11v,lilahlefor the Seeretiiry of 9 1.oproviSECSUSP.XML H:\XMT.\FY20\SUPP\FHSEC\SUSP\FJ)SF.CSUSl'.XMI. 9 'l'ITLE IV snbparts 1 and 2 of pm-t C, of title III, and under title 2 DEPAR'l'MEN'l' 01:<'HEAJ/l'lI A1"\!DHUMAl"\! 2 VI, of the Older Americans Act of 1HG5 ("OAA"), of 3 SE:JWICES 3 which $1 (>0,000,000 sht1ll Im l'or Tiomo-Delivercd Nnt1·i- 4 lNDL'.N Il.EAL1'H SERVICE 4 tiou Se1-viees,$80,000,000 shall be for Con 6•-rcgatc Nutri- 5 J~DIAN HE.\J/rH 5 tiou Sen•ices, and $10,000,000 6 SERYTCli:S For 1111adclitimml amount for "lndinn Healt.h Serv- shall be for Nutrition 6 Se.rl'ices for Native Americans: Provided, That State 7 iees", $64,000,000, to remain nvailable until September 7 matching requirements 8 30, 2022, for health serviees eonsistii1g of SARS-CoV - 8 30!J(b)(2) of the OAA shall not. npply to fnnds made avnil 0 9 2 or (~OVID-lV related items and services as describ ed 9 able under this he ad ing in this Act.: 1'-rovidedfiwther,'rliat lO in :-iuction 6007 of division F' of the F'amilie,; First. JO such a111ountis desigrntted hJ• the Congi•ei,:s as hei11~·for l 1 Col'onavims Res11011se Act (or the ad.minist1·ation of such 11 nn 12 products): Provided, That such amounts shall be ollo(!lltcd 12 25l(b)(2){A) (i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency 13 at. the discretion of the Dit-ector of the Indian Health Sorv- 13 Deficit.Cont.rol .Act 14 foe: Pmvided f11-rther,That snch amount is designated by 14 15 the Congress as being for an emergency requirement 1>t11' - 15 emergency under sect.ions 304(d)(l)(D) requirement pursuant to and sectio n of1985. 0FFrcrn 01<'THE SlWHETAJIY PTJllr.TC HEALTH .IND SO(JL\T, Sli:R'\'ICES mornGENGY l 6 s1rn11tto sectio n 251(h)(2)(A)(i) of the Bahmced Budget 17 am! Emergcncr Ddfoit Control A<:tof Hl85. 17 18 18 ei11l Services Emergency 19 TITLrn V DEPAR'l'MIBNT OF HIMLTH AND I-IUM:A.1'\J 20 21 22 23 Funcl", $1,000,000,000, 19 main available until oiq>encled, for acthitics SEBNICES to rc- authorized 20 under sect.ion 2812 of the Public Health Service Act. (42 AD11JNIS'l'RATIOX FOR CmlMUNl'rY LIVING 21 U.S.C. 300hh-1l ), in coordination with the Administ.rator ACHNO AND DISABIT,I'rY SERVICF!S PROORAMS 22 of the Centers for l\fodie,1rr. & }'Iedienid Services, to .p,w l•'or an acklitioual amount for "Aging inul Disahility 24 Sm'\~ccs Pro1,11·arns",$250,000,000, Fm• an ndrlitiomil amount for "Pnhlie Health anSRCSUSP .XMI. 13 14 TITLE VII Gltar,Y1111'1)'estRhlish a wa.iv- 15 shnll mit apply to a qualified COVID-UJ waiver. 15 er fo1· nll States under seeti011 12(1) of tl1i, Richard 16 B. Russell Nntiom1l School Lmmh Act (42 U.S.C. l7 17(i0(1)), for 1mrp1>sesoJ'.---- 13 requirement~ 16 (d) QUALIFJED COVID - 1!1 W.AI\'ER. - Iu th.is 17 tion, the te1·m "qualified 8CC· COVID-HJ waiver" means a \j; 18 waiver- 18 'r ~,.....,,:, (1) IN GENERAL.-Notwithstnmling IUIJ' other (A) providing meals and meal supplcme11ts 19 (l) t·cqncsted by a Stat e (as cli,fined in section 20 l2(d )(8 ) of. t.hc H,ichal'ClB. R11ssel1Natiomtl Sehool 21 J,tmch Act (42 U.S.C. 17GO(d)(8))) or eligible serv- 21 appropriate 22 ice provider under sccl.ion 12(1) of the Rich:ml B. 22 COVJD-19, as detcl'mincd by t.ho ScC'rctm·y. 23 Russell ( 42 U .S.C. 23 (2) S·r.l'l'E rnLE<.:'l'lON.-A waivo1• cslahlishcd 24 17(iO(l)) ; and 25 26 l:\VA\031320\/\031320.033.xml March 13, 2020 (5:29 p.m.) ----......... Nuti1mal School Lunch (2) to wa:iye an? reqnirement /~ Act ; ~' 19 20 24 under a qualified program; and (B) carryii1g out subpai·agrnph tmdcr pan1gn1ph (1) Rhall- m1der sueli Act (42 U.S.C . 1751 et. seq.) or the Child Nntrit.ion Act (75853011) l:\VA\031320\A031320.033.xml March 13, 2020 (5:28 p.m.) Hafoty measures (75853011) (A) wit.h with respect. to H:IXMl.\FY20\SUPf'IFl)SF.aSUSP\l •l)Sl !C.~USP.XMJ. H:\XMl .\PY20\SUPf'IFDSEC\.~USP\FDSF.CSUSP.XMl. 17 18 (A} notwit.hstancling paragraph (2) of sec- 2 tion 12(1) of the Rielmrd B. Russell N1ltiom1I 3 School lmnch Aet. (42 U .S.C. 1760(1)), apply 4 automatically to any State that elcctH to be subjeet to the waiver w:thont fnrthor 5 late s to the nntritional content of meals ser ,·ed if tlic Sec 2 rot a ry determine s tlrnt3 '""-L ,.~ - applientio'ii; ·,-- / i 6 (1) s1u,h waiver is 11ccessai y to provide meal8 4 and mcnl supplements 5 and 6 7 (B) not be snbjeet . to the requirements 8 nuder parab>1'11 ph (3) of sueh section. 9 (b) CHILD AND ADUTll' CARE FOOD PROGR,llll WAlV- IO EH.-Not:witlmtanrliug .-- ~--~ tmdcr a qualified progrnm; (2) thC'rC' is n suppl~• chain disrnption with re • 7 spec,t. to foods se1·veclunder such a qnnlificd progmm 8 and 1mch dismption is cluo to CO-V'ID- 19. 9 (cl) R,EPOR-'.l'S. - l1.·aph is a request 9 Rtrnsell Nat.io,ml School Lu11chAet (42 U.S.C. 9 c*: iu this ~ made to the Sc~-l'etm-y by n II reqnrst. cksel'ibl'd ,........ -State ngeney to w,t.ive, 011 behalf of the local agcueics hJ;· Nn<,h St~ ;; ;~~me51;--uu r7'lifjTT IT'ffiiici11>i iJ;;"' 1761 ), JO Nl'l-Ved (2) SECltETAltY.- Thc tcl'm "Scerctai·y" 1ncans 11 iff1wecf1n1;;:;i,agraph (1) clurhig [lll)-; -i>oition of' the 12 emergenc,y pl'riod (us drfinc-d in parngrnph (l )(B} of has tho mcai,- 13 seet.ion 11a5(g) Act: (42 14 ing given such term in sect.ion 12(cl)(8) of t.hc Rich- 14 U.S.C. l820b-5(g'}) (begirnii11g ou 15 ;ml 15 of the enaetmcnt. oft.his sect.ion). 16 U.S.C. 17G0(rl)(8)). 16 (h) H.EPOH.1'S.- 10 11 12 the Secrt>tary of Agricnlt:nre. (3) S•rATE.-Tlw 13 l7 B. Russell t·e1·111"State" Nutionnl School Aet. (42 JJLU1(•h SEC. 2203. PHYSICAL PRESENCE WAIVER UNDER WIC DUR- 18 ING CERTAIN PUBLIC HEALTH EMER- 17 (l) Lor..\L of the Social Security 01· after tlw date .aHENr.Y REl'ORTS.-Elaeh local 18 age1w~•that uses n wniver pumnant to suhseetion (a) 19 shnll, uot latt>r than 1 yenr after the date mwh locml 20 nge11C? uses 8nel.1 waiv..l', suhmit any _other 21 8tate ag1mcy sei'l'ing- sneh loeal agency tlrnt. inelnde8 22 provisio11of lmv, t.hc Scel'OtHl'.'' may grant a request 22 the followi11g: 23 SF.CSUSP.XMI. 21 22 (B) A cleseript.ion of whet.her snch waiver (:3} SECHJ~'l'AJIY .- The term "Scc retar.v" means 2 resulted in improved sc1·vices to women, infants, 2 3 and chikh·en. 3 4 (2) STA'rE AGENCY REPOitTS .-nlach the Secret a l',I' of .Agricmltnre. (4} S'rA'rE AOENOY.- 'l'he term "S tate a~mm_y" State 4 has thu meaning givun the term in ~cetion 17(b) of 5 agency that receives a waiver under subs ection (a) 5 the 178G(b)). 6 shall, not later than 18 months after the clnfo snth 6 7 State agency received suc-l1 waiver, submit a report 7 SEC. 8 to the Secrctm·,ythat includes tl1e following: 8 9 (A) A smurunry of the reports 1·cceived by 10 9 the State a1-,>-cney nnclm· pamgraph (1). 10 (B) A description of whether imch waivct· 11 Child 2204, \"ntrition Aet ADMINISTRATIVE of 1966 (42 REQUIREMENTS U.S.C. WAIVER UNDERWIC. (a) WAIVER AU'l'HORJTY.- TN GENElvl.L. - Notwitlmtaniling (l) any other 11 provision of law, the Sccrctm-y of Agrieulturc may, 12 resulted in improved services to women, infants, 12 if requested br a State agenC)' (as defined in section 13 and children. 13 17(b) of the Child Nntrition Act of 196(; (42 U.S.C. 14 l786{b)) , modi(y or waive mw qualified adminis tm- 15 tive requirement with rcspcd to sueh State agency. 14 (e.) SUNSET.- The authority under this sect.ion shall 15 expire 16 011 September 30, 2020. (d) DEI"INJ'fIONS.-ln this section: 16 (2) QUAT,!Ji'ffil) AIHIINISTRATTVE Rl~QUJRE- 17 (1) LOOAL ,IHEN0Y.- The term "local agenc,y" 17 i\lENT.-lll 18 has the meaning given the term in seetion l7(b) of 18 trativc 19 the 19 ment issued m1der seetion 17 of the Child Nutrition 20 1786(b}). 20 Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) that . the Srcretai·)• of 21 Agriculture cletermincs- 21 Child Xntritio11 Aet of 19(;(; (42 (2} NTJTPJTIONAL msK.-'fhc U.S.C. term "nutritional 22 risk" has the meaning given the term in section 22 23 17(1>)of the Child Nut.i-ition Act of HJ66 (,12 U.S.C. 23 24 1786(b)). L:IVA\031320\A031 320.0 33 .xm1 Morch 13, 2020 (5:29 p,m.) (75853011) L.;\VA\031320\A031320.033.xml M•n:h 13, 2020 (5:29 p.m.) ,5}<; this seet:inn, the tm·m "r1unlifie1I n1lminis- requirement" means a rcg'l1latory require- (A} eannot. be met. by n State agency due to COVID-19; and (76853011) AMERICAN pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000160 Page 160 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 161 of 483 .lH~ISl::13Acf Louisiana Department of Health LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000161 NVOlt:13 V'JV H:\XM1.\l.Y20\SUPP\l~)SllL'\SUSP\l~)SliCSUSP.XMl. H :\XM! .\FY21l\SUPP\FllSF.C\.~USP\FDSECSUSP,XMI. 24 23 (B) the modifieat.io11 or waiver of wl1ioh is l mental nntriti011 assistmwc p1·og1·ambenefit;; ~all not he 2 nece8sary to p1·ovide assishrnce tmder snch sec- 2 ymited 3 tion. 3 Ad of 2008 11nle,;,;a11intlivillual does not comply with th<, 4 (h) STATE AGENCY REPORTR.-Etlch Stllte agency nnde1· seetio!:._(~~~-~ of t.he Food and Nntrit.ion 4 1·eqt1il'(m1(:nts of a program offered by the State agency 5 that rec•.eivcsa wnivei· nnder snhseoti011 (a)(l) shall, not 5 (as defined in section :3 of the Foorl and Nutrition Act 6 later than l year after the dnte such State agcne.vrccr.ivc,d 6 of 2008) tlmt meets the stnnclnrrls of snbpamgnphs (B) 7 ~w:,h waivcl', submit . a repol't , to the Scc,l'chuy of Ag,·i- 7 8 cnltmc that i11clmlcs the followil,g: 8 (l) A sm11nia1·.v of the use of such waiver by the 9 (2) A description 11 of wlwtlwr sueh waiver re- 12 sulted in improved services to wornen, infants, 13 children. 14 (c} 8UNSE'r.-The and 17 authorit~ • m1der this section shall WAIVERS SEC. 2301. SNAP FLEXIBILITY FOR LOW-INCOME JOBLESS 19 9 the public health emergency rledamt.ion by tho Seeret.ary 11 Public Health Service Act based on an outbreak of 12 COVID-lfl is lifterl for purposes of section G(o) of the 14 clis1·egm":1111der secLion 3 .1!) ol' t.he I'nl,- 23 anti !.hc-issmrncc o[ au emerl{cncy or 1·ic,nltme- L:\VA\031320\A.031320.033.1tmf March13, 2020 (5:29 p.m.) (75B530I1) of Health and Hmmm Servic,es H:IXMT.ll'Y20\SUPf'IFllSEC\SUSP\FllSl1CSUSP.XMI . H:IXMI.\FY20\SUPP\FllSEC\SUSP\PllSECSUSP.XMI. 25 (1) shall pt'OYicle,at the request of a State 2(, *'. (b) Not later than 10 days after !'.liedate of the re- i 2 agency (ns defined in section 3 of tho Poocl and Nu- 2 ceipt or issuance of eiwh documc11t listed in pnragr,1phs 3 f;ifu~1 Act of 2008) that provides sul'flcicnl. data (as 3 (1 ), (2), or (3) of this suhscut.io11,tho Sccrnlm')' of Agri- 4 determined by the Scei·ctury through guidmu,c) sup- 4 culture shall make publicly available on the website of the 5 porting such request, for emergeney allotment~ to 5 Department tho following documents: 6 households participating in the supplemental nutri- 6 7 tion nssistance program under the Food and Nutri- 7 8 tion Ad of 2008 to address temporary food needs 8 9 not greater than the applicuhle ma.wnum monthly JO II 9 allotment. fc>l'thi, household 8iim; and JO --- (2) may adjust, at the request of State agcnc:ics ( 1) A.ti~•req1~~nh1nitt~St!J,!l - -- under subsection (a). .-1.lfil'.!!~!es --•-~--N--• •~--•(2) The Seeretary's appmval or denial of eaeh snch request. (3) Any guidance i8strnd nndcr suhsuction ll (a)(2). (c) The Secretory of Agl'iculture shall, within 1.8 12 or by gnicl:mcc in consultation with one or more 12 13 State agencies, issuance met.hods and npplicntion l3 months after the public lwalt.h emergenc,~,deelaration cle- 14 mid rcpo1·t.i11g rcqnil'cmcnt.s under the Food and Nu- 14 scribed in snbsrd.ion {a) is lift~d, submit a report. to the 15 trit.ion Aet of 2008 to be comistent. with whllt is 15 Honse and Senate AgTiculture Committees with a clcRcrip- 16 practicable under nctunl eonditfons in affectccl areas. 16 I.ion of the meam1res taken to address the food security 17 11cerlsof uffectecl populationx 1lm-ing tho cmerguney, any 17 (In nrnking thii; nRtemsdes1\ribed in sec- 20 approverl, and rccommcndat.ions for changes to tl1e Sec- 21 tion 7(h) of the Food and Xutrition .Act of 2008 im- 21 retarr'i- authority under the Food and Nt1triti011Aet of 22 practicable, any disrnptions of transport11tion and 22 2008 to assist the Scc1·ctar,Yand States and loMlities in 23 conununicnt.ion focilit.ies, mid any health eonsilr year'. 23 (othol' than cm't-ain pc1·iodsof leave under subseet.ion 23 24 (a)(l )(P))". 24 soc,tion 101 (7), (:ho term 'pnreut', "ith ro,;pect 25 to nn mnployce, means any of the followiug: L:WA\031320\A031320.033.xml March 13, 2020 (5:29 p.m.} (75053011) l;\V A\031320\A03132 0.033.xml Morch 13, 2020 (6:29 p.,n.) more calendar workweeks "(C) PAlmN'l'.-ln (75053011) i11 the current. or lieu ol.' Lhu tlul'inition in Page 164 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: EOCWATCH Sent: Sat, 14 Mar 2020 08:39:25 -0500 To: Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Ashley Peak;Christina Stephens;Cindy Rives;David Schultz;David Timoll;EOCWATCH;Frank Welch;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Joseph Kanter;Kelly Zimmerman;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Mark A Thomas;Melinda Richard;Michelle Miley;Omar Khalid;Pam Diez;Robert Johannessen;Rosanne Prats;Shauna Sanford;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner Subject: LDH EOC SitRep 03/14/2020 Attachments: COVID-19 Summary_031420_0730.docx Please see attached COVID-19 SitRep for 03/14/2020. EOC Watch Desk eocwatch@la.gov 225.354.3570 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000165 Page 165 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Daily Summary 3/14/20 at 0730 Table 1: US Case Counts United States Updated 3/14/20 at 0700 CDC Case Counts Total Cases New Cases Total Deaths New Deaths 1,629 414 41 5 Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html Note: For consistency, the national case counts reported by the Louisiana Department of Health will follow the counts reported daily, M-F, by the CDC. This information might be different from reports by news organizations that update more frequently. Table 2: Louisiana Testing and Results Louisiana Updated 3/14/20 at 0700 Laboratory Testing Number of Persons Number of Under Investigation Presumptive (PUI) Tests Negative Positive Persons 30 18 New Results (on 3/13) Cumulative Results (as of 91 51 3/14 at 0700) Source: OPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section and OPH Laboratory Parish Count of COVID-19 ID Bossier 1 Caddo 1 Jefferson 7 Orleans 36 St. Charles 1 St. John the Baptist 1 St. Tammany 2 Terrebonne 2 Grand Total 51 VERSIGHT CDC Confirmed Cases 2 2 LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000166 Page 166 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Table 3: General Information Line General Information Line Calls on 3/13/20 from 0800 to 1630 Cumulative Calls Count 87 893 Note: Bureau of Community Preparedness staffs the general information line Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. The phone number for this line is 855-523-2652. Calls = Number of calls received and answered during the Operational Period of 8 to 4:30 pm. Voice messages received outside of regular business hours are returned and captured in the call count the following day. Table 4: LA 211 Phone Calls 211 Calls on 3/13/20 from 0700 to 1900 Cumulative Calls Count 1467 1658 Note: LA 211 is operational 24/7 to answer calls from the public. Key Messages Department of Health shared guidance with providers that recommends COVID-19 testing for any patient with fever, respiratory symptoms and a negative influenza test. All patients suspected (and undergoing testing) for COVID-19 should remain hospitalized if needed or isolate at home until they receive their test results. If test results are positive, patients should continue to be isolated until cleared by a physician or public health official. Providers should use commercial labs for any specimens collected with the exception of highpriority patients. The state public health lab will continue to test samples of high-priority patients who meet the following criteria:  Hospitalized patients with a severe respiratory illness with no other known cause.  Suspected outbreak of COVID-19 among associated individuals with recent onset of similar fever and lower respiratory symptoms.  Recent fever and lower respiratory symptoms in a healthcare worker with direct contact to a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case.  Suspected COVID-19 in a patient associated with a high-risk exposure setting such as a long-term care facility or a correctional facility. For initial diagnostic testing for COVID-19, the State of Louisiana now recommends collecting and testing a single nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, or a nose swab. Click here for the health alert message shared with providers. VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000167 Page 167 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Headlines Why are Louisiana schools closed for a month? With coronavirus it's about flattening 'the curve' The Advocate Louisiana schools to close for a month; gatherings of 250 or more not allowed WWL-TV Louisiana launches statewide call network to answer questions related to coronavirus WAFB-TV Northeast Louisiana events canceled amid COVID-19 concerns New Star Louisiana now has 36 coronavirus cases; schools will close until April 13 WDSU-TV President declares national emergency to combat coronavirus NBC News Louisiana Governor moves primary because of coronavirus Associated Press What's happening in life feels surreal: emergency measures Associated Press VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000168 Page 168 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Christina Stephens Sent: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:46:27 -0500 To: Mark Cooper;Matthew Block;Tina Vanichchagorn;James Waskom;Casey Tingle;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner;Shauna Sanford Cc: Alicia Williams (GOV);Katie Kirkpatrick Justice;Chancely Courson Subject: Meeting in New Orleans Tomorrow All, we are planning a joint mini UCG/press briefing with the City of New Orleans on Friday, March 13. I have some basic details sketched out below. We will try to keep the attendee list tight. The details I have below are very basic. In addition, we will issue a joint media advisory with the City tomorrow morning to announce the press conference. I know Jim is talking to their OEP Director and I’m in touch with their comms director. We would need to keep our list of attendees tight as well. Joint Command Briefing with Gov. John Bel Edwards and Mayor Latoya Cantrell on COVID-19 1 p.m. Location: New Orleans EOC / City Hall Joint Press Conference 3 p.m. Location: Mayor’s Press Room Thank you, Christina AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000169 Page 169 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Aly Neel Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:18:16 -0500 Christina Stephens;Shauna Sanford Kelly Zimmerman;Tonya Joiner Protocol for public reporting going forward Dear team: As discussed on our call just now, please find below the working protocol for public reporting on COVID19.  7:30/8AM Daily SITREP is circulated  Going forward all updates on case count will be shared on our website two times per day, at 9AM and 4:30PM. Information that will be shared: o Total # PUI tests o # deaths (with location) o # confirmed (with location) o # presumptive positive (with location) o # negative o Additional updates on presumptive positive/confirmed cases  LDH/GO will release a press statement only when there are major developments, i.e., in the case of a confirmed cluster or death. In the case of death, there will also be a press conference.  LDH will work with GO on notifying parish presidents on a case-by-case basis for now. Let me know if I'm missing anything. Thanks all, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000170 Page 170 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Sent: Mon, 2 Mar 2020 16:28:06 +0000 To: Adam Eitmann Cc: Lauren Gleason (LDH);Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop);Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office);Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Thank you, Adam. This is really great information and very helpful. Sincerely appreciated. Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 *Unedited* On Mar 2, 2020, at 9:29 AM, Adam Eitmann wrote: Rep. Hughes, I wanted to share some more information with you regarding our COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus). This morning the Governor held a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) with state agency heads to make sure that every agency is preparing and coordinating with local, state and federal partners. The Governor has been briefed by LDH and GOHSEP regularly regarding the virus and our preparations. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The nearest case is in Texas and this person remains in isolation. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now expects there to be “community spread” in certain regions of the United States, the immediate threat to the United States and Louisiana remains low. LDH has put together online resources for the public at ldh.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus. Members of the public with questions about coronavirus, should contact the Coronavirus General Information Line at 1-855523-2652 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please encourage your constituents and others to use official sources, like LDH or the CDC, for actual information about the illness. If you hear troubling rumors, please pass them along so we can work with LDH's team to make sure we are communicating effectively and dispelling any mistruths. The bigger threat to Louisiana remains the flu; we still are experiencing very high levels of that virus. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There are actions we all can A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000171 Page 171 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. They are the same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu - cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick. Please let me know if you have any more questions or if there are any additional resources we can provide. Thank you, Adam From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) [mailto:jhughes@legis.la.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:58 PM To: Adam Eitmann ; Lauren Gleason (LDH) Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Many thanks, Adam. Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security From: Adam Eitmann [mailto:Adam.Eitmann@la.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:58 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus Rep Hughes, A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000172 Page 172 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health The Governor is also calling a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) Monday to discuss the state’s response and the preparedness of agencies to deal with any possible impacts from the virius. We will have more information for you and the members and will distribute it as soon as it becomes available. Adam From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:50 PM To: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus Hey Rep. Hughes – Thanks for bringing this to our attention! We have begun to get several calls as well. Our team has been in close communication with the Gov’s office on our broader plan around Coronavirus. We are working on something that you can share with your constituents when they inquire, and we are hoping to have it ready for you early next week. We will send it around to all the legislators and your legislative assistants because I know you will likely get more questions. Best, Lauren From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:45 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) Subject: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Lauren and Adam, I am starting to get a lot of communications from residents of my District regarding Caronavirus. Specifically, they are asking if Louisiana is prepared to handle. The last thing I want to see is widespread panic from the public, but naturally, they are right to be concerned. Can you please share any preparedness plans? Also, is there any proactive A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000173 Page 173 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health public relations campaign taking place advising residents how to potentially prevent spread of the virus? Any information you can share would be helpful. Thanks, Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000174 Page 174 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Joiner Subject: Adam Eitmann Mon, 2 Mar 2020 09:29:01 -0600 Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop);Lauren Gleason (LDH) Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop);Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office);Tonya RE: Caronavirus Rep. Hughes, I wanted to share some more information with you regarding our COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus). This morning the Governor held a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) with state agency heads to make sure that every agency is preparing and coordinating with local, state and federal partners. The Governor has been briefed by LDH and GOHSEP regularly regarding the virus and our preparations. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The nearest case is in Texas and this person remains in isolation. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now expects there to be “community spread” in certain regions of the United States, the immediate threat to the United States and Louisiana remains low. LDH has put together online resources for the public at ldh.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus. Members of the public with questions about coronavirus, should contact the Coronavirus General Information Line at 1-855-523-2652 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please encourage your constituents and others to use official sources, like LDH or the CDC, for actual information about the illness. If you hear troubling rumors, please pass them along so we can work with LDH's team to make sure we are communicating effectively and dispelling any mistruths. The bigger threat to Louisiana remains the flu; we still are experiencing very high levels of that virus. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. They are the same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu - cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick. Please let me know if you have any more questions or if there are any additional resources we can provide. Thank you, Adam From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) [mailto:jhughes@legis.la.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:58 PM To: Adam Eitmann ; Lauren Gleason (LDH) A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000175 Page 175 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Many thanks, Adam. Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security From: Adam Eitmann [mailto:Adam.Eitmann@la.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:58 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus Rep Hughes, The Governor is also calling a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) Monday to discuss the state’s response and the preparedness of agencies to deal with any possible impacts from the virius. We will have more information for you and the members and will distribute it as soon as it becomes available. Adam From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:50 PM To: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus Hey Rep. Hughes – Thanks for bringing this to our attention! We have begun to get several calls as well. A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000176 Page 176 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Our team has been in close communication with the Gov’s office on our broader plan around Coronavirus. We are working on something that you can share with your constituents when they inquire, and we are hoping to have it ready for you early next week. We will send it around to all the legislators and your legislative assistants because I know you will likely get more questions. Best, Lauren From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:45 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) Subject: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Lauren and Adam, I am starting to get a lot of communications from residents of my District regarding Caronavirus. Specifically, they are asking if Louisiana is prepared to handle. The last thing I want to see is widespread panic from the public, but naturally, they are right to be concerned. Can you please share any preparedness plans? Also, is there any proactive public relations campaign taking place advising residents how to potentially prevent spread of the virus? Any information you can share would be helpful. Thanks, Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000177 Page 177 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Joiner Subject: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:58:10 +0000 Adam Eitmann;Lauren Gleason (LDH) Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop);Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office);Tonya RE: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Many thanks, Adam. Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security From: Adam Eitmann [mailto:Adam.Eitmann@la.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:58 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus Rep Hughes, The Governor is also calling a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) Monday to discuss the state’s response and the preparedness of agencies to deal with any possible impacts from the virius. We will have more information for you and the members and will distribute it as soon as it becomes available. Adam From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:50 PM To: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000178 Page 178 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Hey Rep. Hughes – Thanks for bringing this to our attention! We have begun to get several calls as well. Our team has been in close communication with the Gov’s office on our broader plan around Coronavirus. We are working on something that you can share with your constituents when they inquire, and we are hoping to have it ready for you early next week. We will send it around to all the legislators and your legislative assistants because I know you will likely get more questions. Best, Lauren From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:45 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) Subject: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Lauren and Adam, I am starting to get a lot of communications from residents of my District regarding Caronavirus. Specifically, they are asking if Louisiana is prepared to handle. The last thing I want to see is widespread panic from the public, but naturally, they are right to be concerned. Can you please share any preparedness plans? Also, is there any proactive public relations campaign taking place advising residents how to potentially prevent spread of the virus? Any information you can share would be helpful. Thanks, Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000179 Page 179 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Joiner Subject: Adam Eitmann Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:57:36 -0600 Lauren Gleason (LDH);Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop);Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office);Tonya RE: Caronavirus Rep Hughes, The Governor is also calling a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) Monday to discuss the state’s response and the preparedness of agencies to deal with any possible impacts from the virius. We will have more information for you and the members and will distribute it as soon as it becomes available. Adam From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:50 PM To: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus Hey Rep. Hughes – Thanks for bringing this to our attention! We have begun to get several calls as well. Our team has been in close communication with the Gov’s office on our broader plan around Coronavirus. We are working on something that you can share with your constituents when they inquire, and we are hoping to have it ready for you early next week. We will send it around to all the legislators and your legislative assistants because I know you will likely get more questions. Best, Lauren From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:45 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) Subject: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000180 Page 180 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Lauren and Adam, I am starting to get a lot of communications from residents of my District regarding Caronavirus. Specifically, they are asking if Louisiana is prepared to handle. The last thing I want to see is widespread panic from the public, but naturally, they are right to be concerned. Can you please share any preparedness plans? Also, is there any proactive public relations campaign taking place advising residents how to potentially prevent spread of the virus? Any information you can share would be helpful. Thanks, Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000181 Page 181 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Joiner Subject: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:52:00 +0000 Lauren Gleason (LDH);Adam Eitmann Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop);Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office);Tonya RE: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Great! Thanks so much, Lauren! Much appreciated. Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) [mailto:Lauren.Gleason@la.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:50 PM To: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Caronavirus Hey Rep. Hughes – Thanks for bringing this to our attention! We have begun to get several calls as well. Our team has been in close communication with the Gov’s office on our broader plan around Coronavirus. We are working on something that you can share with your constituents when they inquire, and we are hoping to have it ready for you early next week. We will send it around to all the legislators and your legislative assistants because I know you will likely get more questions. Best, Lauren From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:45 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000182 Page 182 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Subject: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Lauren and Adam, I am starting to get a lot of communications from residents of my District regarding Caronavirus. Specifically, they are asking if Louisiana is prepared to handle. The last thing I want to see is widespread panic from the public, but naturally, they are right to be concerned. Can you please share any preparedness plans? Also, is there any proactive public relations campaign taking place advising residents how to potentially prevent spread of the virus? Any information you can share would be helpful. Thanks, Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000183 Page 183 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Joiner Subject: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:50:25 -0600 Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop);Adam Eitmann Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop);Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office);Tonya RE: Caronavirus Hey Rep. Hughes – Thanks for bringing this to our attention! We have begun to get several calls as well. Our team has been in close communication with the Gov’s office on our broader plan around Coronavirus. We are working on something that you can share with your constituents when they inquire, and we are hoping to have it ready for you early next week. We will send it around to all the legislators and your legislative assistants because I know you will likely get more questions. Best, Lauren From: Hughes, Rep. Jason (Chamber Laptop) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:45 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) ; Adam Eitmann Cc: Bagley, Rep. Larry (Chamber Laptop) ; Bagley, Rep. Larry (District Office) Subject: Caronavirus EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Lauren and Adam, I am starting to get a lot of communications from residents of my District regarding Caronavirus. Specifically, they are asking if Louisiana is prepared to handle. The last thing I want to see is widespread panic from the public, but naturally, they are right to be concerned. Can you please share any preparedness plans? Also, is there any proactive public relations campaign taking place advising residents how to potentially prevent spread of the virus? Any information you can share would be helpful. Thanks, Jason Jason Hughes State Representative, District 100 Louisiana House of Representatives Committee Assignments: Ways and Means~Health and Welfare~Judiciary A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000184 Page 184 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health ~Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay~Select Committee on Homeland Security AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000185 Page 185 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:01:26 -0500 To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH);Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll;Lauren Leist;Shauna Sanford Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thank you! From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) [mailto:Jennifer.Sherman@hhs.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 2:19 PM To: Christina Stephens ; Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll ; Lauren Leist ; Shauna Sanford Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. A few edits in red to Dr. Adams’ name/title. PUBLIC SCHEDULE LANGUAGE: Gov. John Bel Edwards will join Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH, U.S. Surgeon General, and local elected officials and health stakeholders for a discussion of Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 tomorrow. Following this meeting, Gov. Edwards and Surgeon General Adams will conduct a media briefing. From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 3:12 PM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll ; Lauren Leist ; Shauna Sanford Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications To follow up on our call, this is the language we would propose for the Governor’s public schedule/media advisory for this evening and then language for his press conference later today. Does this look okay? We don’t have to finalize until around 4:45 p.m. CST. A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000186 Page 186 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health This is the livestream link for all of our press conferences: Faceboook.com/LouisianaGov PUBLIC SCHEDULE LANGUAGE: Gov. John Bel Edwards will join United States Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, MD, and local elected officials and health stakeholders for a discussion of Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 tomorrow. Following this meeting, Gov. Edwards and Surgeon General Adams will conduct a media briefing. 9:45 AM Joint Media Briefing on COVID-19 (Open Media) Governor's Press Room (Fourth Floor) Louisiana State Capitol Baton Rouge, LA 70802 TALKING POINTS FOR 5:30 p.m. PRESSER: In closing, I would like to make one announcement about tomorrow. We will be joined by the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams for a meeting about our response to COVID-19 in Louisiana. Do not be alarmed: the Surgeon General was already planning a trip here to Louisiana. That said, we are going to take the opportunity to talk about COVID-19 and for him to get a briefing on how things are going here. We will also include several local officials and health care stakeholders. We will have a joint press conference tomorrow morning after our meeting and my office will have more details about that tonight. I am thankful for the Surgeon General and the many federal officials who have provided information and support to the state and I know that tomorrow’s discussion will be a fruitful one. From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:47 PM To: 'Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH)' ; Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Yes. I am free until around 2:15 CST today if it is possible to get on a call. We have a Unified Command Group meeting beginning at 3 p.m. and we will be getting ready for that. Thanks, Christina From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) [mailto:Jennifer.Sherman@hhs.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:37 PM A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000187 Page 187 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Christina Stephens Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Checking in… Would it be possible to setup a quick call this afternoon to discuss tomorrow morning? I spoke with Dr. Adams and he was wondering if your local state health officials might want to/be able to join the meeting with the SG and Governor. SG is very interested in getting a deeper dive on the current situation in LA before the media availability. Happy to talk through options, etc. I know Rafael is in-flight right now… Also checking in on the status for media. 2:30 pm EST and 4:30 pm EST are my best windows today, but can make other windows work. Jenn From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:50 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the attached itinerary. Omar and I spoke yesterday regarding the changes to the press event. Let me know if there is anything I need to add. Rafael From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:42 AM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000188 Page 188 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000189 Page 189 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents  3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000190 Page 190 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000191 Page 191 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000192 Page 192 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000193 Page 193 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000194 Page 194 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000195 Page 195 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\'\J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000196 Page 196 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:37:05 +0000 To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR);Christina Stephens Cc: Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Checking in… Would it be possible to setup a quick call this afternoon to discuss tomorrow morning? I spoke with Dr. Adams and he was wondering if your local state health officials might want to/be able to join the meeting with the SG and Governor. SG is very interested in getting a deeper dive on the current situation in LA before the media availability. Happy to talk through options, etc. I know Rafael is in-flight right now… Also checking in on the status for media. 2:30 pm EST and 4:30 pm EST are my best windows today, but can make other windows work. Jenn From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:50 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the attached itinerary. Omar and I spoke yesterday regarding the changes to the press event. Let me know if there is anything I need to add. Rafael From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:42 AM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000197 Page 197 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000198 Page 198 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents  3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000199 Page 199 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000200 Page 200 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000201 Page 201 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000202 Page 202 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000203 Page 203 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000204 Page 204 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\'\J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000205 Page 205 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: david.timoll@la.gov Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:29:23 -0500 Christina Stephens Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Did you get what you need? David Timoll e david.timoll@la.gov p 225-342-2532 Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary Louisiana Department of Health www.twitter.com/ladepthealth www.facebook.com/LaDeptHealth www.youtube.com/user/MyHealthLa LOUISIANA _ ___DEPARTMENT ',OIF HEALTH From: Christina Stephens Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:42 AM To: "Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH)" Cc: "Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR)" , Omar Khalid , Tonya Joiner , Alexander Billioux , Aly Neel , "Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH)" , David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. A\11 IC/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000206 Page 206 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000207 Page 207 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents  3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000208 Page 208 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000209 Page 209 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000210 Page 210 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000211 Page 211 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000212 Page 212 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000213 Page 213 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000214 Page 214 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:50:16 +0000 To: Christina Stephens;Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Attachments: Drafted Lousiana Itinerary - v6 RC Edits.docx EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Please see the attached itinerary. Omar and I spoke yesterday regarding the changes to the press event. Let me know if there is anything I need to add. Rafael From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:42 AM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000215 Page 215 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000216 Page 216 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health   I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents 3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000217 Page 217 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000218 Page 218 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000219 Page 219 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000220 Page 220 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000221 Page 221 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000222 Page 222 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 223 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health FOR-INTERNAL-USE-ONLY Thursday March 12: DRAFT ITINERARY U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH LOUISIANA March 12 - 13, 2020 09:15 AM – 09:45 AM One on One Discussion with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana)  Opportunity to chat about the status of COVID-19 in Louisiana prior to press event 09:45 AM – 10:15 AM Press Event with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana)  OSG Priorities: COVID-19  Mayor Cantrell (New Orleans) will be invited, as will Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee-Sheung and Mayor Broome (Baton Rouge)  Media Opportunity? Yes, plus key healthcare stakeholders from BR area hospitals 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Meeting with Mayor Broome of Baton Rouge (Mayor’s Office 222 St Louis St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Room 801)  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, hypertension  Format: Roundtable discussion with Mayor’s staff and FQHC providers, BR area Hospital CEOs. Recommend 20 meeting attendees max.  Media Opportunity? No 12:00 PM Travel to Xavier University of Louisiana (1 Drexel Dr, New Orleans, LA 70125)  80 miles/Approximately 1.5 hour drive 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Xavier University of Louisiana  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, substance abuse and misuse  Attendees: Dr. C. Reynold Verret, Xavier University President  Format: Roundtable discussion with leadership 03:15 PM – 04:15 PM Xavier University of Louisiana  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, substance abuse and misuse, health equity  Format: Grand rounds  Media Opportunity? Yes 05:00 PM – 05:30 PM Community Walk with Dr. Eric Griggs (weather permitting) (Lafitte Greenway, New Orleans, LA – Walk start: 222 N. Roman St, New Orleans LA 70119  “Doc Griggs” is an outspoken advocate for community health and physical activity, championing the use of public greenspaces in urban areas such as the Lafitte Greenway.  Media Opportunity? No. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media  Additional attendees are 4-5 med school residents/fellows and members of the community that participate in the walk – will confirm details. LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000224 Page 224 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health FOR-INTERNAL-USE-ONLY Friday, March 13: 08:00 AM – 10:00 AM Morning Media Opportunities (TBD) 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Onsite visit to CrescentCare (New Orleans FQHC with Syringe Service Program) (1631 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117  Attendees: Dr. Billioux, Louisiana OPH STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program Staff, Noel Twilbeck (CrescentCare CEO) and staff  Format: facility/program tour and roundtable on HIV/HCV elimination and SSPs 11:00 AM—12:15 PM Potential visit with Richard Milani. 12:30 PM Arrival at Hilton New Orleans Riverside (Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA, 70130) 01:30 PM – 03:00 PM SGR Cessation Keynote  OSG Priorities: Tobacco cessation  Format: Keynote presentation 03:30 PM--04:30 PM Meet with Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans (New Orleans City Hall) (1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112  OSG Priorities: COVID-19  Format: Roundtable discussion with Mayor Cantrell and New Orleans Health Department Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Avegno  Media Opportunity? No. 04:30 PM LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000225 Page 225 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:42:07 -0500 To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR);Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000226 Page 226 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents  3/13 A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000227 Page 227 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health o Early Morning  o SSP Visit Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability.  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000228 Page 228 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000229 Page 229 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000230 Page 230 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000231 Page 231 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000232 Page 232 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000233 Page 233 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:53:24 +0000 To: Christina Stephens Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR);Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Attachments: image001.jpg, image002.jpg, image003.jpg, image004.jpg EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000234 Page 234 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents  3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM-10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (in-person), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000235 Page 235 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health   Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000236 Page 236 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000237 Page 237 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm-230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000238 Page 238 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000239 Page 239 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000240 Page 240 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 241 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health ..r ] I, ~ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Cl~ to \.is..t us t.- LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000242 Page 242 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health D p,,.I'\• L_I ! PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000243 Page 243 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health p,,.I'\• L_I ! J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000244 Page 244 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 245 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Mon, 9 Mar 2020 16:46:36 -0500 Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR);Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH);David Timoll RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000246 Page 246 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health   Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents 3/13 o Early Morning  o SSP Visit Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability.  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM-10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (in-person), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000247 Page 247 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000248 Page 248 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 .... LOUISIANA [ :I DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH D You • From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm-230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000249 Page 249 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000250 Page 250 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000251 Page 251 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000252 Page 252 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Mon, 9 Mar 2020 21:10:14 +0000 Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Christina Stephens Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH);David Timoll RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Drafted Lousiana Itinerary - v3 RC Edits.docx EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents  3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM-10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (in-person), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000253 Page 253 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health   Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000254 Page 254 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH You • VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000255 Page 255 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm-230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000256 Page 256 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000257 Page 257 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000258 Page 258 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health FOR-INTERNAL-USE-ONLY Thursday March 12: DRAFT ITINERARY U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH LOUISIANA March 12 - 13, 2020 09:15 AM – 09:30 AM One on One Discussion with Governor John Bel Edwards (Governor’s Capitol Office, 4th floor 900 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802)  Opportunity to chat briefly about the status of COVID-19 in Louisiana prior to press event 09:30 AM – 10:00 AM Press Event with Governor John Bel Edwards (Governor’s Capitol Office, 4th floor 900 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802)  OSG Priorities: COVID-19  Media Opportunity? Yes 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM Meeting with Mayor Broome of Baton Rouge (Mayor’s Office 222 St Louis St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Room 801)  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, hypertension  Format: Roundtable discussion with Mayor, City staff and FQHC providers, BR area Hospital CEOs. Recommend 20 meeting attendees max.  Media Opportunity? No 12:00 PM Travel to Xavier University of Louisiana (1 Drexel Dr, New Orleans, LA 70125)  80 miles/Approximately 1.5 hour drive 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Xavier University of Louisiana  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, substance abuse and misuse  Attendees: Dr. C. Reynold Verret, Xavier University President  Format: Roundtable discussion with leadership 03:15 PM – 04:15 PM Xavier University of Louisiana  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, substance abuse and misuse, health equity  Format: Grand rounds  Media Opportunity? Yes 05:00 PM – 05:30 PM Community Walk with Dr. Eric Griggs (weather permitting) (Lafitte Greenway, New Orleans, LA  “Doc Griggs” is an outspoken advocate for community health and physical activity, championing the use of public greenspaces in urban areas such as the Lafitte Greenway.  Media Opportunity? No. o Dr. Griggs can promote via social media  One-on-one or additional attendees? LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000259 Page 259 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health FOR-INTERNAL-USE-ONLY Friday, March 13: 08:00 AM – 10:00 AM Morning Media Opportunities (TBD) 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Onsite visit to CrescentCare (New Orleans FQHC with Syringe Service Program) (1631 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117  Attendees: Louisiana OPH STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program Staff, Noel Twilbeck, CrescentCare CEO and staff  Format: facility/program tour and roundtable on HIV/HCV elimination and SSPs  45m may be tight/rushed to include a tour and roundtable discussion. If the morning media opportunities end early we can possibly add an additional 15m 11:00 AM—12:15 PM OPH Leadership and Management Roundtable (Benson Tower room 1800, 1450 Poydras St, New Orleans LA 70113  Attendees: OPH Leadership (20 people on site, roughly 20 more via teleconference)  Format: This is a recurring leadership meeting with a regular deep dive topic, which will be replaced with a visit from the SG. Remarks from OSG and brief presentation from highlighted OPH Programs (Hep C elimination, maternal mortality, Community Health/Economic convening) to the SG.  Does this include Ochsner Health System is the list of attendees? o If not, I would like to include them. However, I still recommend capping the total in-person attendees to 20. o Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. He also stated they were based in the same building so it would be feasible. 12:30 PM Arrival at Hilton New Orleans Riverside (Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA, 70130) 01:30 PM – 03:00 PM SGR Cessation Keynote  OSG Priorities: Tobacco cessation  Format: Keynote presentation 3:30 PM--4:30 PM Meet with Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans (New Orleans City Hall) (1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112  OSG Priorities: COVID-19  Format: Roundtable discussion with Mayor Cantrell and New Orleans Health Department Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Avegno  Media Opportunity? No. LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000260 Page 260 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Stephens Cc: Subject: Attachments: Omar Khalid Mon, 9 Mar 2020 12:19:31 -0500 Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR);Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Christina Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH);David Timoll RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Drafted Lousiana Itinerary - Louisiana Edits.docx Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! A\/H HICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000261 Page 261 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH ~I lD ~l!i,,1..S You • From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000262 Page 262 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm-230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000263 Page 263 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000264 Page 264 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000265 Page 265 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health FOR-INTERNAL-USE-ONLY Thursday March 12: DRAFT ITINERARY U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH LOUISIANA March 12 - 13, 2020 09:15 AM – 10:00 AM Press Event with Governor John Bel Edwards (Governor’s Capitol Office, 4th floor 900 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802)  OSG Priorities: COVID-19  Media Opportunity? Yes - 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Meeting with Mayor Broome of Baton Rouge (Mayor’s Office 222 St Louis St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Room 801)  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, hypertension  Format: Roundtable discussion with Mayor, City staff and FQHC providers, BR area Hospital CEOs (approximately 25 healthcare industry attendees)  Media Opportunity? Possibly (not planned) 12:00 PM Travel to Xavier University of Louisiana (1 Drexel Dr, New Orleans, LA 70125) 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Xavier University of Louisiana  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, substance abuse and misuse  Attendees: Dr. C. Reynold Verret, Xavier University President  Format: either a one-on-one meeting or roundtable discussion with leadership 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM Xavier University of Louisiana  OSG Priorities: COVID-19, substance abuse and misuse, health equity  Format: Grand rounds 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM Community Walk with Dr. Eric Griggs (weather permitting) (Lafitte Greenway, New Orleans, LA  “Doc Griggs” is an outspoken advocate for community health and physical activity, championing the use of public greenspaces in urban areas such as the Lafitte Greenway.  Media Opportunity? Possibly (not currently planned) VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000266 Page 266 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health FOR-INTERNAL-USE-ONLY Friday, March 13: 08:45 AM – 09:30 AM Onsite visit to CrescentCare (New Orleans FQHC with Syringe Service Program) (1631 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117  Attendees: Louisiana OPH STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program Staff, Noel Twilbeck, CrescentCare CEO and staff  Format: facility/program tour and roundtable on HIV/HCV elimination and SSPs 10:00 AM—10:45 AM OPH Leadership and Management Roundtable (Benson Tower room 1800, 1450 Poydras St, New Orleans LA 70113  Attendees: OPH Leadership (20 people on site, roughly 20 more via teleconference)  Format: This is a recurring leadership meeting with a regular deep dive topic, which will be replaced with a visit from the SG. Remarks from OSG and brief presentation from highlighted OPH Programs (Hep C elimination, maternal mortality, Community Health/Economic convening) to the SG. 11:00 AM—12:00PM Visit with 504HealthNet (Bacchanal Restaurant) (600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117)  Attendees: Tiffany Netters, ED of 504HealthNet (association of New Orleans area FQHCs)  Format: visit at the restaurant during open hours with Ms. Netters and restaurant owner. Roundtable discussion on topics of private sector engagement in a service-centered economy. This restaurant is an example put forth by Ms. Netters as an exemplary employer for promoting the health/healthcare access for its employees. 12:30 PM Arrival at Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hilton New Orleans Riverside 2 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA, 70130 01:30 PM – 03:00 PM SGR Cessation Keynote  OSG Priorities: Tobacco cessation  Format: Keynote presentation 3:30 PM--4:30 PM Meet with Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans (New Orleans City Hall) (1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112  OSG Priorities: COVID-19  Format: Roundtable discussion with Mayor Cantrell and New Orleans Health Department Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Avegno  Media Opportunity? Possibly LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000267 Page 267 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Mon, 9 Mar 2020 16:44:36 +0000 Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Christina Stephens Aly Neel;Omar Khalid;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000268 Page 268 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH '.:IIC tD ~ IS.I .is D You m From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm-230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000269 Page 269 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000270 Page 270 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000271 Page 271 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cell: 225-726-0599 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000272 Page 272 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Thu, 5 Mar 2020 12:29:55 -0600 Tonya Joiner Matthew Block;Tina Vanichchagorn;Stephen Russo;Aly Neel Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hello! I am free at both of those times listed tomorrow for a call. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 5, 2020, at 11:24 AM, Tonya Joiner wrote: Please see the email below the General’s team with times to schedule a call to discuss press event and mtg with Governor. Please let me know your availability and I am happy to coordinate. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR)" Date: March 5, 2020 at 10:06:04 AM CST To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel , Omar Khalid , Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000273 Page 273 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000274 Page 274 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000275 Page 275 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000276 Page 276 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 19:19:26 +0000 To: Christina Stephens;Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll;Lauren Leist;Shauna Sanford Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. A few edits in red to Dr. Adams’ name/title. PUBLIC SCHEDULE LANGUAGE: Gov. John Bel Edwards will join Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH, U.S. Surgeon General, and local elected officials and health stakeholders for a discussion of Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 tomorrow. Following this meeting, Gov. Edwards and Surgeon General Adams will conduct a media briefing. From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 3:12 PM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll ; Lauren Leist ; Shauna Sanford Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications To follow up on our call, this is the language we would propose for the Governor’s public schedule/media advisory for this evening and then language for his press conference later today. Does this look okay? We don’t have to finalize until around 4:45 p.m. CST. This is the livestream link for all of our press conferences: Faceboook.com/LouisianaGov PUBLIC SCHEDULE LANGUAGE: Gov. John Bel Edwards will join United States Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, MD, and local elected officials and health stakeholders for a discussion of Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 tomorrow. Following this meeting, Gov. Edwards and Surgeon General Adams will conduct a media briefing. 9:45 AM Joint Media Briefing on COVID-19 (Open Media) Governor's Press Room (Fourth Floor) Louisiana State Capitol A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000277 Page 277 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Baton Rouge, LA 70802 TALKING POINTS FOR 5:30 p.m. PRESSER: In closing, I would like to make one announcement about tomorrow. We will be joined by the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams for a meeting about our response to COVID-19 in Louisiana. Do not be alarmed: the Surgeon General was already planning a trip here to Louisiana. That said, we are going to take the opportunity to talk about COVID-19 and for him to get a briefing on how things are going here. We will also include several local officials and health care stakeholders. We will have a joint press conference tomorrow morning after our meeting and my office will have more details about that tonight. I am thankful for the Surgeon General and the many federal officials who have provided information and support to the state and I know that tomorrow’s discussion will be a fruitful one. From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:47 PM To: 'Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH)' ; Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Yes. I am free until around 2:15 CST today if it is possible to get on a call. We have a Unified Command Group meeting beginning at 3 p.m. and we will be getting ready for that. Thanks, Christina From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) [mailto:Jennifer.Sherman@hhs.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:37 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Christina Stephens Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Checking in… Would it be possible to setup a quick call this afternoon to discuss tomorrow morning? I spoke with Dr. Adams and he was wondering if your local state health officials might want to/be able to join the A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000278 Page 278 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health meeting with the SG and Governor. SG is very interested in getting a deeper dive on the current situation in LA before the media availability. Happy to talk through options, etc. I know Rafael is in-flight right now… Also checking in on the status for media. 2:30 pm EST and 4:30 pm EST are my best windows today, but can make other windows work. Jenn From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:50 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the attached itinerary. Omar and I spoke yesterday regarding the changes to the press event. Let me know if there is anything I need to add. Rafael From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:42 AM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000279 Page 279 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000280 Page 280 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health   Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents 3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000281 Page 281 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000282 Page 282 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000283 Page 283 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000284 Page 284 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000285 Page 285 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000286 Page 286 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000287 Page 287 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 14:12:26 -0500 To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH);Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll;Lauren Leist;Shauna Sanford Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications To follow up on our call, this is the language we would propose for the Governor’s public schedule/media advisory for this evening and then language for his press conference later today. Does this look okay? We don’t have to finalize until around 4:45 p.m. CST. This is the livestream link for all of our press conferences: Faceboook.com/LouisianaGov PUBLIC SCHEDULE LANGUAGE: Gov. John Bel Edwards will join United States Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, MD, and local elected officials and health stakeholders for a discussion of Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 tomorrow. Following this meeting, Gov. Edwards and Surgeon General Adams will conduct a media briefing. 9:45 AM Joint Media Briefing on COVID-19 (Open Media) Governor's Press Room (Fourth Floor) Louisiana State Capitol Baton Rouge, LA 70802 TALKING POINTS FOR 5:30 p.m. PRESSER: In closing, I would like to make one announcement about tomorrow. We will be joined by the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams for a meeting about our response to COVID-19 in Louisiana. Do not be alarmed: the Surgeon General was already planning a trip here to Louisiana. That said, we are going to take the opportunity to talk about COVID-19 and for him to get a briefing on how things are going here. We will also include several local officials and health care stakeholders. We will have a joint press conference tomorrow morning after our meeting and my office will have more details about that tonight. I am thankful for the Surgeon General and the many federal officials who have provided information and support to the state and I know that tomorrow’s discussion will be a fruitful one. From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:47 PM To: 'Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH)' ; Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000288 Page 288 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Yes. I am free until around 2:15 CST today if it is possible to get on a call. We have a Unified Command Group meeting beginning at 3 p.m. and we will be getting ready for that. Thanks, Christina From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) [mailto:Jennifer.Sherman@hhs.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:37 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Christina Stephens Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Checking in… Would it be possible to setup a quick call this afternoon to discuss tomorrow morning? I spoke with Dr. Adams and he was wondering if your local state health officials might want to/be able to join the meeting with the SG and Governor. SG is very interested in getting a deeper dive on the current situation in LA before the media availability. Happy to talk through options, etc. I know Rafael is in-flight right now… Also checking in on the status for media. 2:30 pm EST and 4:30 pm EST are my best windows today, but can make other windows work. Jenn From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:50 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the attached itinerary. Omar and I spoke yesterday regarding the changes to the press event. Let me know if there is anything I need to add. A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000289 Page 289 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Rafael From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:42 AM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000290 Page 290 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents  3/13 o Early Morning A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000291 Page 291 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health  o SSP Visit Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability.  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000292 Page 292 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000293 Page 293 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000294 Page 294 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000295 Page 295 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000296 Page 296 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000297 Page 297 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Stephens Cc: Subject: Omar Khalid Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:47:29 -0500 Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH);Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR);Christina Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Jenn, we are working hard on this and are just about ready to loop you in for review. We have gone ahead and invited the local officials to attend the premeeting at 9:15 with Governor Edwards and a small group representing hospital providers (4-5). We think this will be an excellent opportunity for the SG to hear about what’s happening in each locale where we have a presumptive positive case (now up to 6). To recap, the pre-meeting would be attended by: 4 parish/municipal leaders (with some staff) and 4-5 hospital execs, along with the SG and Governor. I can make either of those windows work to touch base on a call, but I will defer to Christina with our Governor’s Office comms for her availability—such as it is these days! Thanks Jenn, Omar From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:37 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Christina Stephens Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Checking in… Would it be possible to setup a quick call this afternoon to discuss tomorrow morning? I spoke with Dr. Adams and he was wondering if your local state health officials might want to/be able to join the meeting with the SG and Governor. SG is very interested in getting a deeper dive on the current situation in LA before the media availability. Happy to talk through options, etc. I know Rafael is in-flight right now… Also checking in on the status for media. 2:30 pm EST and 4:30 pm EST are my best windows today, but can make other windows work. Jenn A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000298 Page 298 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:50 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the attached itinerary. Omar and I spoke yesterday regarding the changes to the press event. Let me know if there is anything I need to add. Rafael From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:42 AM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000299 Page 299 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000300 Page 300 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health   I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents 3/13 o Early Morning  Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability. o SSP Visit  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000301 Page 301 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000302 Page 302 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000303 Page 303 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000304 Page 304 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000305 Page 305 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000306 Page 306 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 307 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:47:09 -0500 To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH);Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Omar Khalid;Tonya Joiner;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH);David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Yes. I am free until around 2:15 CST today if it is possible to get on a call. We have a Unified Command Group meeting beginning at 3 p.m. and we will be getting ready for that. Thanks, Christina From: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) [mailto:Jennifer.Sherman@hhs.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:37 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Christina Stephens Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Checking in… Would it be possible to setup a quick call this afternoon to discuss tomorrow morning? I spoke with Dr. Adams and he was wondering if your local state health officials might want to/be able to join the meeting with the SG and Governor. SG is very interested in getting a deeper dive on the current situation in LA before the media availability. Happy to talk through options, etc. I know Rafael is in-flight right now… Also checking in on the status for media. 2:30 pm EST and 4:30 pm EST are my best windows today, but can make other windows work. Jenn From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:50 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000308 Page 308 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Please see the attached itinerary. Omar and I spoke yesterday regarding the changes to the press event. Let me know if there is anything I need to add. Rafael From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:42 AM To: Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Cc: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Is there an updated itinerary? I spoke with OPH about the need to change our meeting around a little. The time is probably still okay, but given that we now have 6 presumptive positives, I know the Governor would want to either have some providers or potentially impacted Mayors with him. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 11, 2020, at 6:53 AM, Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Christina, yes announcing today is good. Let me know if you or your team have a few quick minutes this morning to chat. Want to touch base on a few things. We will also need to review the media advisory or press release you plan to issue. Best, Jenn Jenn Sherman Director of Public Affairs Office of the Surgeon General Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thanks – we can probably make this time work. To be clear, do you want any additional stakeholders in the meeting or at the media availability? Today has been a bit hectic – we just announced our first presumptive positive and the Governor gave his State of the State address. We had good A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000309 Page 309 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health coverage of our afternoon briefing about it, but certainly the main lines of concern from the press/public are still testing, travel vs. community spread, etc. The Governor also tried to reiterate some of the points from today’s call with the VP. For our purposes, would this be a visit we could announce on Wednesday? Or would you like to do earlier? Thanks, Christina From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 4:10 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi Omar, Thanks for sending this over. I made edits to the itinerary in RED. Here are my main takeaways:  3/12 o Press event with Governor Edwards  Can we split the 9:15AM – 10:00AM time slot into 9:15AM-9:30AM One-on-One Discussion/9:30AM – 10:00AM Press Event?  I’m sure Dr. Adams would appreciate a couple minutes alone with the Governor prior to the press event. Also, I think 30m would suffice for the press event. Happy to discuss further. o Meeting with Mayor Broome  I like the backgrounds of the attendees for the meeting, however I’d like to keep the meeting to 20 attendees max if possible. I also recommend trimming the meeting down to 1.5 hours rather than 2 full hours. o Community walk with Dr. Eric Griggs  Really like this addition. I trimmed it down to 30m. Would recommend no media because we will have coverage with the governor’s press event and at the A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000310 Page 310 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health  grand rounds. Dr. Griggs can promote via social media if he’d like.  Let us know if you think it would be a one-on-one or include med students/residents 3/13 o Early Morning  o SSP Visit Main changes were I removed the Bacchanal visit. We’re protecting the morning for media opportunities in New Orleans, which condenses the SG’s availability.  Recommend moving this to 10:00AM10:45AM. I do think 45m is a pretty tight window for a tour and meeting. So it may feel rushed, but if we wrap up media we can add some time back if needed. o OPH Leadership roundtable  Is Ochsner Health System included? Alex and I had discussed inviting Dr. Richard Milani and some of his team to discuss their remote BP work. If so, I would still recommend maxing at 20 attendees total (inperson), but would want to include them. OSG staff is 3 total:  VADM Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General  Lt. Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, Aide  Rafael Campos, Division of External Engagement Regarding press, please share the press release with Jenn so she can loop in the department as soon as possible. Thanks again for all your help on this! Rafael From: Omar Khalid Sent: Monday, March 09, 2020 1:20 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) ; David Timoll Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Thanks Rafael! We were discussing the location and think the Capitol may work best logistically. Christina, I know the Governor’s Office suggested either option, so I will defer to you to confirm that choice. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000311 Page 311 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health We will work to firm up all other details on the press event ASAP. I’m also attaching our edit of the proposed itinerary for the OSG visit. We are working to make a couple of the times work best for attendees (highlighted in yellow), and finalizing the day’s last event on Thursday March 12. Do these events and details work for you? Of course we are able to provide any more specifics as needed, but wanted to start with this sketch. Rafael, can you please confirm the number of people that will be traveling with the Surgeon General? Happy to work with your office to coordinate anything else on this side. Thanks, Omar From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:45 AM To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux ; Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Heck, Mia (HHS/OASH) ; Sherman, Jennifer (HHS/OASH) Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, I’ve CC’d both Mia Heck and Jennifer Sherman from our public affairs team. Whenever you have a chance, please send over the write-up on the press event with Gov. Edwards taking place this Thursday, based on our conversation last week. I spoke with the Surgeon General this morning and he perfectly fine with the briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center. Thanks! Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 4:06 PM A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000312 Page 312 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health To: Tonya Joiner ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Let’s do 3:30 PM ET tomorrow. I’ll send out a conference line. Rafael From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 1:58 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael: We have not coordinated with Mia. The governor’s office and our LDH team are available to do a call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET. Please let me know your preference and we will get it scheduled and send out an invite. Thank you! Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) [mailto:Rafael.Campos@hhs.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:06 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Update, A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000313 Page 313 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health So I was able to coordinate with Mia Heck. Tonya and Aly, you may have connected with Mia not too long ago. I was told she helped plan some work with your team when the Assistant Secretary for Health visited Louisiana. I’d be happy to schedule a call this afternoon or early tomorrow. Looks like there is a window today between 1pm-130pm ET, or tomorrow between 1230pm230pm or after 330pm ET. Let me know if any of those times work and I can set up a conference line. Rafael From: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 10:24 AM To: Alexander Billioux Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Alex, Thanks for your note. I’m sorting some things out internally and hope to have an answer shortly. I just found out this morning that Jenn Sherman, our Director of Public Affairs at OSG, is out of the office today and tomorrow. Her deputy is helping the Assistant Secretary for Health with comm support this week. So I’m checking with the Department to see if there is someone else from comms that can take her place to help facilitate the press event on our end while she’s out. Jenn returns to the office on Monday, but I’d like to finalize this sooner if possible. I know they’re pretty backed up with media request so it’ll take some maneuvering on my end. I’m happy to chat with Tonya and Aly in the interim and forward any press details to a new department point of contact once I’ve identified them. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reach back out shortly. Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2020 9:41 AM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000314 Page 314 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Hi Rafael, I am following up to connect you to Tonya Joiner, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Health. She is coordinating with the Governor’s Office and so will need contact information to coordinate with you and ASPA for a potential press event. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 3, 2020, at 10:13 AM, Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Hi all, So there may be some changes to the SG’s availability given his involvement with the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. I should know more tomorrow, but there are a 3 options that I’m aware of: 1. Same schedule, but include some media opportunities for COVID-19 throughout the trip 2. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, participates in SRNT at 1:30 PM then departs back to DC. 3. SG flies in Thursday night, engages in some media on COVID-19 on Friday morning, SRNT moves his session earlier in the day so he can make an afternoon briefing in DC I wanted to throw this on your radar for awareness. A question the team brought up was whether Gov. Edwards would be available Friday morning for some media? If so, Aly, I’d want to connect you with our public affairs team to work out those details as soon as possible, given our approval process extends outside of the department for COVID-19 activities. Once again, I’ll know more tomorrow but wanted to share. Best, A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000315 Page 315 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Rafael From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46 PM To: Campos, Rafael (OS/OASH) (CTR) Cc: Aly Neel ; Omar Khalid Subject: Connection to LDH Bureau of Media and Communications Hi Rafael, I hope your week is ending well (or ending at all, given the COVID news cycle). As we discussed, I am connecting you to Aly Neel who leads LDH’s Bureau of Media and Communications. Her team are ready to coordinate with you/ASPA around any media engagements you want to develop during the Surgeon General’s visit on the 12th and 13th. Like me, she is also a recovering Fed, so she speaks the same language as your comms team I’m sure! We’ve been making outreach to start putting the schedule in place, so let us know if any of the items we discussed yesterday need to be prioritized for the media. Have a great weekend! Alex Alexander Billioux, MD DPhil FACP Pronouns: He/Him/His Assistant Secretary Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Email: alexander.billioux@la.gov Office: 225-342-6188 Cell: 225-726-0599 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000316 Page 316 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:35:12 +0000 Adam Eitmann RE: coronavirus PPT COVID-19 Leg. FAQ 3'10'20.pdf Also the FAQ From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:33 AM To: Adam Eitmann Subject: coronavirus PPT FYI – the attached is what we are presenting at SHW at 10:00 am and then later at HHW at 1:00 pm. Thanks Lauren Gilder Gleason, MPA Director of Legislative & Governmental Relations 628 N. Fourth Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.342.5274 (office) 225.964.1789 (cell) LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000317 Page 317 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 (Coronavirus): FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS This is an evolving situation, and the information below continues to be updated . (The last update was March 10, 2020 at 11:00 pm) What are coronaviruses? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people such as has been seen with recent outbreaks of MERS and SARS. Are there any confirmed cases in Louisiana? As of 3/10/20, there are six presumptive positive cases in Louisiana, all from the greater New Orleans area. What is the current situation? While the CDC now expects community spread in some parts of the United States, the immediate threat to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it is important to be prepared. The Louisiana Department of Health has been preparing for COVID19 since the outbreak in mainland China. Additionally, the Office of Public Health has activated its Emergency Operations Center and has started using public health measures as part of an aggressive public health response strategy. This is the same strategy being done at the national level under the guidance of the CDC, and in all other states and the District of Columbia. The Office of Public Health has developed guidance for clinicians for testing and treatment of COVID-19, as well as developed guidance for home care of patients with coronavirus. This guidance is given to all health care providers via our Health Alert Network. What is Louisiana’s testing capability? Louisiana currently has the capacity for several hundred tests. Currently, these tests are coming to the Office of Public Health from provider referrals, and are being accepted based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Commercial testing is now also available, and any private lab tests that come back positive will be verified at the OPH lab in Baton Rouge and confirmed by the CDC lab in Atlanta. Health care providers can call the Office of Public Health Division's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi) 24-7 hotline with further questions about testing. What is the total number of tests for COVID-19 of Persons Under Investigation (PUI)? What percentage have been positive? As of March 10, 2020, we have completed 43 tests, six of which have turned out positive. We learned about our first presumptive positive test on March 9. We are awaiting testing from the CDC to confirm each result. Page 1 of 5 pVERSIGHT Page 318 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000318 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 (Coronavirus): FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What are the symptoms of COVID-19? For confirmed coronavirus infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms (similar to the common cold) to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:  Fever  Cough  Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing Is there a vaccine for COVID-19? No. There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for this infection. People infected with COVID19 receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. How does COVID-19 spread? Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:  Respiratory droplets produced when coughing and sneezing  Close personal contact  Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes How can I help protect myself? The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Stay home when you are sick.  Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Should I be tested for COVID-19? If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan, or you are a health care provider caring for someone with respiratory illness who tests negative for flu or other respiratory illnesses, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your recent travel or close contact. In addition, someone with a respiratory illness not confirmed to be flu or another respiratory illness should ask their provider about being tested for coronavirus. If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel. How does COVID-19 compare to influenza in terms of symptoms, mortality rate, number of cases, etc.? Much is unknown about COVID-19 in terms of how easily it spreads, who is most at risk, and how serious is it going to be. From preliminary studies, COVID-19 tends to be more severe in people over age 60, and those that have underlying medical conditions. Those most at risk are those over age 60 who have Page 2 of 5 pVERSIGHT Page 319 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000319 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 (Coronavirus): FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS underlying medical conditions. It is safe to say, given the limited scientific information we have at this point, that it is at least as severe, if not more serious than the seasonal flu. What is the protocol in place for responding to a pandemic like Coronavirus/COVID-19? COVID-19 behaves in many ways similar to influenza. Because of this, the CDC recommends using the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plan as our model for the response. The Louisiana Department of Health has been working on our Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the last 15 years, and we have been preparing for COVID-19 starting in early January 2020. In early March, the Governor directed the formation of a COVID-19 Task Force with representation from state agencies and federal partners key to preparing for a COVID-19 outbreak. This task force guides updating Louisiana’s pandemic flu/COVID-19 response and ensures a continuity of operations and advises the Unified Command Group. What have you been doing as far as monitoring people who may have been exposed? Our first priority was to monitor any travelers who returned to Louisiana from visiting China’s areas that had the most community spread. As other countries experienced community spread, Louisiana epidemiologists have been in contact with travelers who returned from traveling abroad to highexposure countries to ask whether they were experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. We touch base with those travelers each day and ask about their symptoms during a 14-day period of observation. We are also ensuring that travelers know the destinations where non-essential travel should be avoided. The countries under a Level 3 Travel Notice are China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. Will the State identify COVID-19 patients? Because of patient privacy laws, the Louisiana Department of Health cannot provide any information that might identify patients. This includes name, residence of patient, place of treatment or any other potentially identifying patient information. What’s the next major step in the Department’s plan for responding to an outbreak? Mirroring the federal government’s response, we are moving from a ‘containment’ approach in which we focused on travelers to a ‘mitigation’ approach in which we anticipate and plan for person-to-person transmission in the community somewhere in the United States. We are focused on state and local government preparedness and are providing support to health care providers, schools, businesses and community members to ensure they are adequately prepared to take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. What factors would trigger a government-mandated closure of schools or businesses, etc.? Where there has been a student in a school with COVID-19, the Office of Public Health would consider steps to close and clean that school. However, this would be triggered first by action from the school. Specifically, the circumstance(s) that would prompt the Office of Public Health to suggest school closures would be first, when it has been confirmed that children within the school are actively transmitting an infection at the school, causing an outbreak and significant disruption. Secondly, we might consider the suggestion if a significant number of students or faculty were out, and normal school activities simply could not continue. In any of these circumstances, we would suggest a thorough school cleaning. Page 3 of 5 pVERSIGHT Page 320 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000320 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 (Coronavirus): FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What precautions is the State taking to protect our students and school system staff and parent volunteers from possible exposure to the COVID-19? The Louisiana Office of Public Health (OPH) has been in contact with the Louisiana Department of Education (DOE) in regard to disease control and prevention of COVID-19. OPH has provided guidance from the CDC on infection control best practices such as handwashing, covering of coughs, disinfection of environmental surfaces, and encouraging students and staff to stay home when they are ill. Further guidance has been shared on social distancing, cancellation of classes and school events, as well as discouraging social gatherings among students in the event that there is community (person-to-person) transmission of the disease. These activities build on relationships and common practices established with the Department of Education during the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic and the 2015 Ebola response. OPH has offered assistance and advice to both state and local school systems in preparing for and responding to COVID-19 in Louisiana. What should I do if I have recently traveled? Anyone who recently traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, or Japan within the previous 14 days, who experiences fever, cough, or other acute illness should contact a health care provider as soon as possible and mention your recent travel. Please call ahead and inform the health care provider about your travel history. What are you doing to make sure hospitals are prepared? LDH has been working with the Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) and the ESF8 Network to prepare hospitals for an outbreak and ensure they have the proper supplies needed as well as protocols in place for anyone treated who tests positive. We haven’t had any indication that hospitals don’t have what they need on the supply side. How does the process for testing for COVID-19 work? The Office of Public Health operates an advanced laboratory in Baton Rouge that performs many types of tests for infectious diseases, such as for tuberculosis and measles. Our state lab workers are a team of highly trained professionals who are experienced at testing for many kinds of infectious diseases using a variety of different tests. When a test of an infectious disease of any kind is performed at the State Lab, they are on samples that are brought to the lab via a courier. Is there a cost associated with testing for COVID-19? The tests that the federal government has provided the Office of Public Health have not been associated with any payments. Commercial tests are covered under Medicaid and Medicare as an essential health benefit. The cost for a test under private health insurance providers may vary. Are there additional costs for responding to COVID-19 outside of testing? The Department anticipates hiring additional epidemiologists and lab staffing, increasing call center capacity, increasing lab training and developing educational content under the federal budget appropriations that have been set aside for COVID-19 response. Page 4 of 5 pVERSIGHT Page 321 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000321 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 (Coronavirus): FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is the Louisiana Department of Health concerned about shipping channels such as the Port of New Orleans being affected by COVID-19? Department officials met with the Coast Guard to discuss potential issues with the COVID-19 virus once it became more clear that the virus was spreading globally. We don’t think there will be potential for spreading the virus through shipping channels. So is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Are you in regular contact with the federal government? Yes. We are in constant contact with the CDC and HHS; we’re currently averaging several calls per week just with the CDC. In addition we have standing calls across state health departments and a standing call internally in Louisiana. This is all very important so that we all have the latest data, are on the same page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. Should families have a plan if an outbreak occurs? The best preparation families can do is practice good seasonal flu/cold hygiene: cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot! Families should also monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for updated travel advisories before making plans to travel internationally. Is there a special information phone number for people to call? Yes, individuals with questions can call our COVID-19 General Information Line at 1-855-523-2652 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Should I keep my children home from school or avoid going to work? There are a limited number of schools and workplaces that are closed in the U.S. You should follow guidance from your specific school district and employer about closures. At this time, it is not necessary to keep children home from school or avoid going to work unless told to do so by local officials. Should I cancel my travel plans? The CDC is not recommending that travelers cancel all plans except to specific locations where the threat of COVID-19 spread is significantly higher. If you have a trip planned, check the CDC’s site for a risk assessment of your destination. If you travel, take the same precautions you would while home to avoid getting sick or spreading germs including washing your hands thoroughly and often and avoiding contact with sick people. Page 5 of 5 pVERSIGHT Page 322 of 483 LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000322 Louisiana Department of Health From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Sat, 14 Mar 2020 18:05:57 -0500 To: Christina Stephens Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Matthew Block;Mark Cooper;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner;Kelly Zimmerman;Shauna Sanford;Aly Neel Subject: Re: Coronavirus Testing Thank you! I will reach out to Adm Giroir to set up a call. Thanks, Alex Sent from my iPhone On Mar 14, 2020, at 4:30 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Please see the below correspondence between the Governor and Brett Giroir, requesting additional testing capacity. From: JBE Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2020 4:29 PM To: Christina Stephens Subject: Fwd: Coronavirus Testing Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Giroir, Brett (HHS/OASH)" Date: March 14, 2020 at 4:20:15 PM CDT To: JBE Subject: RE: Coronavirus Testing A\11 ~ 11(,J\'\J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000323 Page 323 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. We are on it Sir. I am ready for some gumbo after this Brett P. Giroir, MD ADM, US Public Health Service Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 Office Phone: 202-690-7694 From: JBE Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2020 5:11 PM To: Giroir, Brett (HHS/OASH) Subject: Re: Coronavirus Testing Dr. Giroir: Thank you for your work on this pandemic emergency. There are now 77 presumptive positive cases in Louisiana, with the vast majority being in Orleans and Jefferson Parish. An hour ago we announced the first death — a 58 year old gentleman from New Orleans with chronic health conditions. On a per capita basis, I believe Louisiana has the third most cases in the country. We have imposed significant mitigation measures to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), but I am afraid the testing is nowhere near as robust as necessary to identify more positive cases that can then be isolated/quarantined so that we can in a significant way slow the spread, flatten the curve, and better ensure that our medical/hospital capacity is not overwhelmed. Please make every effort to significantly increase our testing capacity and testing through put as soon as possible. Feel free to respond to me or to have someone on your team contact Dr. Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health. Thank you. John Bel Sent from my iPhone A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000324 Page 324 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health On Mar 14, 2020, at 8:50 AM, JBE wrote: Thanks. We will take you up on your offer. My public health folks will contact your team shortly. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 13, 2020, at 7:34 PM, Giroir, Brett (HHS/OASH) wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Sir, We had your health team on the line this evening. White House is offering to assist with setting up drive through testing sites at hot spots. And NOLA and Jefferson Parrish are on our list. Totally your call but this could be helpful to you. We are waiting to hear back from your team. V/r BG Brett P. Giroir, MD ADM, US Public Health Service Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 Office Phone: 202-690-7694 A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000325 Page 325 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Mon, 2 Mar 2020 21:33:52 +0000 Adam Eitmann Re: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update Yes - all members chamber and district emails Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Adam Eitmann wrote: Thanks, did this go to all members? Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 1:38 PM, Lauren Gleason (LDH) wrote: FYA – Adam, I copied most of the email you sent to Rep. Hughes so thanks  Will let y’all know if we get any considerable feedback/questions. From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 1:33 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Cc: Bethany Blackson ; Anita Dupuy ; Latonya Johnson Subject: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update Good afternoon members – Please see the attached brief and FAQ document regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This morning, the Governor held a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) with state agency heads to make sure that every agency is preparing and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. The Governor is being briefed regularly by LDH and GOHSEP regarding the virus and our preparations. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The nearest case is in Texas, and this person remains in isolation. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now expects A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000326 Page 326 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health there to be “community spread” in certain regions of the United States, the immediate threat to the United States and Louisiana remains low. Additionally, LDH has put together online resources for the public at ldh.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus. Members of the public with questions about coronavirus, should contact the Coronavirus General Information Line at 1855-523-2652 from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Please encourage your constituents and others to use official sources, like LDH or the CDC, for actual information about the illness. If you hear troubling rumors, please pass them along so we can work with our team to make sure we are communicating effectively and dispelling any mistruths. The bigger threat to Louisiana remains the flu; we still are experiencing very high levels of that virus. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. They are the same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu - cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick. Please let me know if you have any more questions or if there are any additional resources we can provide. Best, Lauren Lauren Gilder Gleason, MPA Director of Legislative & Governmental Relations 628 N. Fourth Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.342.5274 (office) 225.964.1789 (cell) A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000327 Page 327 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: Lauren.Gleason@la.gov Mon, 2 Mar 2020 15:33:52 -0600 Adam Eitmann Re: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update Yes - all members chamber and district emails Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Adam Eitmann wrote: Thanks, did this go to all members? Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 1:38 PM, Lauren Gleason (LDH) wrote: FYA – Adam, I copied most of the email you sent to Rep. Hughes so thanks  Will let y’all know if we get any considerable feedback/questions. From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 1:33 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Cc: Bethany Blackson ; Anita Dupuy ; Latonya Johnson Subject: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update Good afternoon members – Please see the attached brief and FAQ document regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This morning, the Governor held a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) with state agency heads to make sure that every agency is preparing and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. The Governor is being briefed regularly by LDH and GOHSEP regarding the virus and our preparations. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The nearest case is in Texas, and this person remains in isolation. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now expects A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000328 Page 328 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health there to be “community spread” in certain regions of the United States, the immediate threat to the United States and Louisiana remains low. Additionally, LDH has put together online resources for the public at ldh.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus. Members of the public with questions about coronavirus, should contact the Coronavirus General Information Line at 1855-523-2652 from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Please encourage your constituents and others to use official sources, like LDH or the CDC, for actual information about the illness. If you hear troubling rumors, please pass them along so we can work with our team to make sure we are communicating effectively and dispelling any mistruths. The bigger threat to Louisiana remains the flu; we still are experiencing very high levels of that virus. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. They are the same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu - cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick. Please let me know if you have any more questions or if there are any additional resources we can provide. Best, Lauren Lauren Gilder Gleason, MPA Director of Legislative & Governmental Relations 628 N. Fourth Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.342.5274 (office) 225.964.1789 (cell) A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000329 Page 329 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Adam Eitmann Mon, 2 Mar 2020 15:08:49 -0600 Lauren Gleason (LDH) Re: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update image001.png Thanks, did this go to all members? Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 1:38 PM, Lauren Gleason (LDH) wrote: FYA – Adam, I copied most of the email you sent to Rep. Hughes so thanks  Will let y’all know if we get any considerable feedback/questions. From: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 1:33 PM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Cc: Bethany Blackson ; Anita Dupuy ; Latonya Johnson Subject: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update Good afternoon members – Please see the attached brief and FAQ document regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID19. This morning, the Governor held a meeting of the Unified Command Group (UCG) with state agency heads to make sure that every agency is preparing and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. The Governor is being briefed regularly by LDH and GOHSEP regarding the virus and our preparations. It is important to note that currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The nearest case is in Texas, and this person remains in isolation. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now expects there to be “community spread” in certain regions of the United States, the immediate threat to the United States and Louisiana remains low. Additionally, LDH has put together online resources for the public at ldh.louisiana.gov/Coronavirus. Members of the public with questions about coronavirus, should contact the Coronavirus General Information Line at 1-855-523-2652 from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Please encourage your constituents and others to use official sources, like LDH or the CDC, for actual information about the illness. If you hear A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000330 Page 330 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health troubling rumors, please pass them along so we can work with our team to make sure we are communicating effectively and dispelling any mistruths. The bigger threat to Louisiana remains the flu; we still are experiencing very high levels of that virus. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. They are the same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu - cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick. Please let me know if you have any more questions or if there are any additional resources we can provide. Best, Lauren Lauren Gilder Gleason, MPA Director of Legislative & Governmental Relations 628 N. Fourth Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225.342.5274 (office) 225.964.1789 (cell) LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000331 Page 331 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH ,•1 EF' -. ' ,OVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000332 Page 332 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Peck, Christine Mon, 9 Mar 2020 19:34:09 +0000 Adam Eitmann Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office);Cannon, Brandi;Lauren Gleason (LDH) RE: COVID-19 Task Force members EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Who are the specific individuals representing the agencies that you reference below? Is it the cabinet secretary attending each meeting directly or a designee? From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 2:23 PM To: Peck, Christine Cc: Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office) ; Cannon, Brandi ; Lauren Gleason (LDH) Subject: Re: COVID-19 Task Force members Christine, Our office is referring to the primary agencies and individuals leading Louisiana’s planning for different scenarios relating to the spread and preparation for COVID-19 as a Task Force. It will offer guidance not only to the Governor and the Unified Command Group, but also to state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations. This is not a statutorily created task force. The current membership includes the Louisiana Department of Health and the Office of Public Health, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Division of Administration, the Department of Education, the Louisiana National Guard, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Louisiana Department of Justice, the United States Coast Guard, 211, Louisiana State Police and other agencies as deemed appropriate. I hope this helps. If you have more questions please let me know. Adam Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 11:37 AM, Peck, Christine wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Adam – I understand that Nick is no longer with the gov office. Please see below. A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000333 Page 333 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Peck, Christine Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:14 AM To: nick.albares@la.gov Cc: Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office) ; Cannon, Brandi ; 'Lauren Gleason (LDH)' Subject: COVID-19 Task Force members Nick– Senator Foil’s office reached out to see if we had a list of the members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. I cannot find an executive order that creates the task force or any details other than random press releases. Was it created by executive order or just referenced in a press release? Who are the individual members appointed? Thanks, Christine Arbo Peck Christine Arbo Peck Louisiana State Senate, Senate Counsel Senate Committee on Health and Welfare Senate Committee on Environmental Quality Louisiana Senate P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 225-342-2114 peckc@legis.la.gov A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000334 Page 334 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Adam Eitmann Mon, 9 Mar 2020 14:22:52 -0500 Peck, Christine Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office);Cannon, Brandi;Lauren Gleason (LDH) Re: COVID-19 Task Force members Christine, Our office is referring to the primary agencies and individuals leading Louisiana’s planning for different scenarios relating to the spread and preparation for COVID-19 as a Task Force. It will offer guidance not only to the Governor and the Unified Command Group, but also to state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations. This is not a statutorily created task force. The current membership includes the Louisiana Department of Health and the Office of Public Health, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Division of Administration, the Department of Education, the Louisiana National Guard, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Louisiana Department of Justice, the United States Coast Guard, 211, Louisiana State Police and other agencies as deemed appropriate. I hope this helps. If you have more questions please let me know. Adam Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 11:37 AM, Peck, Christine wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Adam – I understand that Nick is no longer with the gov office. Please see below. From: Peck, Christine Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:14 AM To: nick.albares@la.gov Cc: Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office) ; Cannon, Brandi ; 'Lauren Gleason (LDH)' Subject: COVID-19 Task Force members Nick– Senator Foil’s office reached out to see if we had a list of the members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. I cannot find an executive order that creates the task force or any A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000335 Page 335 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health details other than random press releases. Was it created by executive order or just referenced in a press release? Who are the individual members appointed? Thanks, Christine Arbo Peck Christine Arbo Peck Louisiana State Senate, Senate Counsel Senate Committee on Health and Welfare Senate Committee on Environmental Quality Louisiana Senate P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 225-342-2114 peckc@legis.la.gov A\/H HICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000336 Page 336 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Adam Eitmann Mon, 9 Mar 2020 12:26:46 -0500 Peck, Christine Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office);Cannon, Brandi;Lauren Gleason (LDH) Re: COVID-19 Task Force members Christine, I am taking on health policy for our office until we find a replacement for Nick. I will get back to you ASAP with an answer. Adam Sent from my iPhone On Mar 9, 2020, at 11:37 AM, Peck, Christine wrote: EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Adam – I understand that Nick is no longer with the gov office. Please see below. From: Peck, Christine Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:14 AM To: nick.albares@la.gov Cc: Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office) ; Cannon, Brandi ; 'Lauren Gleason (LDH)' Subject: COVID-19 Task Force members Nick– Senator Foil’s office reached out to see if we had a list of the members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. I cannot find an executive order that creates the task force or any details other than random press releases. Was it created by executive order or just referenced in a press release? Who are the individual members appointed? Thanks, Christine Arbo Peck Christine Arbo Peck Louisiana State Senate, Senate Counsel Senate Committee on Health and Welfare A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000337 Page 337 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Senate Committee on Environmental Quality Louisiana Senate P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 225-342-2114 peckc@legis.la.gov A\/H HICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000338 Page 338 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Peck, Christine Mon, 9 Mar 2020 16:36:07 +0000 Adam Eitmann Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office);Cannon, Brandi;Lauren Gleason (LDH) RE: COVID-19 Task Force members EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Adam – I understand that Nick is no longer with the gov office. Please see below. From: Peck, Christine Sent: Monday, March 9, 2020 11:14 AM To: nick.albares@la.gov Cc: Foil, Sen. Franklin (District Office) ; Cannon, Brandi ; 'Lauren Gleason (LDH)' Subject: COVID-19 Task Force members Nick– Senator Foil’s office reached out to see if we had a list of the members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. I cannot find an executive order that creates the task force or any details other than random press releases. Was it created by executive order or just referenced in a press release? Who are the individual members appointed? Thanks, Christine Arbo Peck Christine Arbo Peck Louisiana State Senate, Senate Counsel Senate Committee on Health and Welfare Senate Committee on Environmental Quality Louisiana Senate P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 225-342-2114 peckc@legis.la.gov A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000339 Page 339 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 11:54:14 -0600 To: Tonya Joiner;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Got it – let’s do a quick internal call at 3:00 today in prep for 8:00 AM CODEL call. Will send an invite shortly for 3:00 if that time works. From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:49 AM To: Christina Stephens ; Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I agree with Christina and maybe a quick prep call in advance. We will circle internally and have coordinate documents for dissemination. Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 ~ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTOF HEALJH You • From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000340 Page 340 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000341 Page 341 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000342 Page 342 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000343 Page 343 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 17:49:29 +0000 To: Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Casey Tingle;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I agree with Christina and maybe a quick prep call in advance. We will circle internally and have coordinate documents for dissemination. Tonya Ozene Joiner Chief of Staff O: (225) 342-9001 C: (225) 329-6886 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH You • From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000344 Page 344 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000345 Page 345 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000346 Page 346 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000347 Page 347 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 11:04:36 -0600 To: Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact That works – if someone can send me the latest FAQ doc, I will attach it to the invite. Thanks, Casey From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:57 AM To: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000348 Page 348 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000349 Page 349 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000350 Page 350 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000351 Page 351 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Guilbeaux Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Wed, 4 Mar 2020 10:56:35 -0600 Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Casey Tingle;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I would recommend maybe doing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. CST, just to give us time to get an agenda and any materials ready and also to give notice to CODEL members, but I would defer to LDH and GOHSEP on how long they think that would take. I know you have a lot of stuff put together already. I think we also need to be prepared to talk about the supplemental bill as well. Thanks, Christina From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000352 Page 352 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000353 Page 353 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000354 Page 354 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Casey Tingle Wed, 4 Mar 2020 10:56:21 -0600 Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Great – if 3:00 today works for the group – I will reach out to the offices and send out an invite. From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:38 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel ; Stephen Russo ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000355 Page 355 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000356 Page 356 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000357 Page 357 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Alexander Billioux Wed, 4 Mar 2020 10:38:08 -0600 Rosanne Prats;Casey Tingle;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Tonya Joiner RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact +Steve and Tonya I can make myself available at 3 today or 8 tomorrow. Alex From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:28 AM To: Casey Tingle ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Christopher Guilbeaux ; Alexander Billioux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Aly Neel Subject: RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000358 Page 358 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000359 Page 359 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000360 Page 360 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Rosanne Prats Wed, 4 Mar 2020 10:27:57 -0600 Casey Tingle;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Alexander Billioux Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens;Aly Neel RE: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I’m looping in Dr. Billioux and Aly as well.. From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:21 AM To: Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Rosanne Prats ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Looking for a timeframe to hold an informational call with Congressional delegation. Would 3:00 today or 8:00 tomorrow work? I think we could pass along the latest FAQ document, provide them the appropriate contact information in case they receive any calls, update on the task force and then open it up for questions. Thoughts? Thanks, Casey From: Tina Vanichchagorn Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:13 AM To: Casey Tingle Cc: Christina Stephens ; James Waskom ; Stephen Russo Subject: Re: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact I think a call would be good Tina M. Vanichchagorn Special Counsel Office of the Governor On Mar 4, 2020, at 8:25 AM, Casey Tingle wrote: Should we send out the FAQ’s to the Congressional offices or set up a quick call with them to brief out on what we are doing? A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000361 Page 361 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: John Taylor Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:20 AM To: Casey Tingle Subject: FW: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact Casey, Leslie Quinn asked about a POC in GOHSEP and a POC for the COVID-19 Task Force. Sincerely, John L. Taylor Jr., MEM Region 7 Coordinator Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) 1525 Fairfield Ave, Ste. 228, Shreveport, LA 71101 Cell 318-572-9431 This communication, along with any attachments, is covered by Federal and State law governing electronic communications and may contain restricted and legally privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please reply immediately to the sender and delete this message. From: Quinn, Leslie [mailto:Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 3:08 PM To: John Taylor Subject: COVID-19 Taskforce and GOSHEP contact EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good Afternoon John: Could you tell me who is the point of contact within GOSHEP and/or the Governor’s Task Force for public officials? I am trying to find a contact the Congressman and/or our office can go to directly to find out information about preparedness and action items for the virus for Louisiana. We anticipate we will have constituents asking us for help and Congressman Johnson needs to have the latest information. Thanks so much! Leslie Leslie Quinn Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects U. S. Congressman Mike Johnson 2250 Hospital Drive, Suite 248 A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000362 Page 362 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: 318-840-0309 Fax: 318-584-7294 www.mikejohnson.house.gov A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000363 Page 363 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Robert Johannessen Sent: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:46:45 -0500 To: Rosanne Prats;Alexander Billioux;Aly Neel;Kelly Zimmerman;Christina Stephens;Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Sundee Winder;Melinda Richard;Sarah Berthelot;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Shauna Sanford Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system Attachments: 211 Network now available to answer COVID questions.docx Attached is the approved version. Kelly, can you let me know when you push the send button? Thanks. Bob Robert Johannessen Communications/Public Information Bureau of Community Preparedness Louisiana Office of Public Health 2020census.gov robert.johannessen@la.gov Office: 225-354-3527 Cell: 225-715-6109 From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 12:45 PM To: Alexander Billioux ; Robert Johannessen ; Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Sundee Winder ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system Guidry has already reviewed and provided minor corrections. We’re good to go. From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 12:44 PM To: Robert Johannessen ; Rosanne Prats ; Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Sundee Winder ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system This looks great. Approved from my end. Off to Dr. Guidry A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000364 Page 364 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Robert Johannessen Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 11:44 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system - An edited version, per BPC, is attached. Bob Robert Johannessen Communications/Public Information Bureau of Community Preparedness Louisiana Office of Public Health 2020census.gov robert.johannessen@la.gov Office: 225-354-3527 Cell: 225-715-6109 From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 11:28 AM To: Robert Johannessen ; Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system Importance: High Just want to elevate this… 211 is ready to go live. The drafted news release has been submitted by Bob. 211 had requested input on the news release; Sarah has approved the version that Bob developed. Please let us know ASAP of the vetting procedure so that we can start putting out 211 number as the general info line. From: Robert Johannessen Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 10:59 AM To: Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot Subject: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system All, A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000365 Page 365 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Attached is the draft news release for Louisiana 211. We would like to issue today. Sarah with 211 has approved. Bob Robert Johannessen Communications/Public Information Bureau of Community Preparedness Louisiana Office of Public Health 2020census.gov robert.johannessen@la.gov Office: 225-354-3527 Cell: 225-715-6109 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000366 Page 366 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health NEWS RELEASE DRAFT_02 March 12, 2020 Questions about coronavirus now being answered by Louisiana 211 Statewide Network Text alert system also add for instant updates Louisiana’s statewide 211 network is now answering calls about COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. This network is best designed and staffed to handle the large volume of calls from Louisiana residents who are concerned and who have questions about the rapidly spreading virus. Anyone looking for information about the coronavirus outbreak can simply dial 211 or text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available. With Louisiana 211 now equipped and trained to answer questions from the public, the Louisiana Department of Health is asking residents to call 211 instead of the current general information line, 855523-2652. In addition to being able to call the Louisiana 211 and to sign up for text messaging, residents can get written answers to the most-asked questions by concerned citizens. The website is: www.la211help.org Over the past week, the call volume to LDH’s general information line, that was only available during business hours, has increased from several calls a day to several hundred calls. Dr. Alex Billioux, assistant secretary for LDH’s Office of Public Health, said this change will give citizens the best way to get information any time of the day or night. “The Louisiana 211 statewide network is established as the public’s first and best source to connect callers with critical information about health and human services,” Billioux said, “This expertise ensures that citizens can talk to a person who is trained to answer their questions 24 hours a day.” The Louisiana 211 statewide network provides multilingual services as well as information for people who are hearing impaired. Sarah Berthelot, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, coordinates statewide response efforts with 211 providers throughout Louisiana. “By working with the Louisiana Department of Health, the 211 network allows residents to get the information they need as quickly as possible. Our robust system of call centers, text message capability and websites gives people access to information that can help them make better decisions and best prepare for this health crisis,” Berthelot said. This week, LDH provided Louisiana 211 with a comprehensive list of questions that have come into the original information telephone line. These include questions about testing for coronavirus, symptoms and treatment and when to access medical help. Answers to all questions were provided by LDH’s medical leadership team. Louisiana 211 is supported by United Ways throughout the state of Louisiana. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000367 Page 367 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:14:38 -0500 To: Robert Johannessen;Kelly Zimmerman;Aly Neel;Christina Stephens;Christopher Guilbeaux;Jimmy Guidry (LDH) Cc: Alexander Billioux;Sundee Winder;Alexander Billioux;Melinda Richard;Sarah Berthelot;Omar Khalid Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system Including Guidry. From: Robert Johannessen Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 12:09 PM To: Kelly Zimmerman ; Rosanne Prats ; Aly Neel ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system Alex, Please let me know if you are OK. We will send out as soon as you say “go.” Bob Robert Johannessen Communications/Public Information Bureau of Community Preparedness Louisiana Office of Public Health 2020census.gov robert.johannessen@la.gov Office: 225-354-3527 Cell: 225-715-6109 From: Kelly Zimmerman Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 12:05 PM To: Robert Johannessen ; Rosanne Prats ; Aly Neel ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system BMAC approves. The 211.org site is currently blocked on state computers so I have sent a request to open access to this site. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000368 Page 368 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Bob, please make sure the site also links back to ldh.la.gov/coronavirus Thanks, Kelly From: Robert Johannessen Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 11:44 AM To: Rosanne Prats ; Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system - An edited version, per BPC, is attached. Bob Robert Johannessen Communications/Public Information Bureau of Community Preparedness Louisiana Office of Public Health 2020census.gov robert.johannessen@la.gov Office: 225-354-3527 Cell: 225-715-6109 From: Rosanne Prats Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 11:28 AM To: Robert Johannessen ; Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman ; Christina Stephens ; Christopher Guilbeaux Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot Subject: RE: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system Importance: High Just want to elevate this… 211 is ready to go live. The drafted news release has been submitted by Bob. 211 had requested input on the news release; Sarah has approved the version that Bob developed. Please let us know ASAP of the vetting procedure so that we can start putting out 211 number as the general info line. From: Robert Johannessen Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 10:59 AM To: Aly Neel ; Kelly Zimmerman A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000369 Page 369 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Alexander Billioux ; Rosanne Prats ; Sundee Winder ; Alexander Billioux ; Melinda Richard ; Sarah Berthelot Subject: DRAFT NEWS RELEASE for 211 system All, Attached is the draft news release for Louisiana 211. We would like to issue today. Sarah with 211 has approved. Bob Robert Johannessen Communications/Public Information Bureau of Community Preparedness Louisiana Office of Public Health 2020census.gov robert.johannessen@la.gov Office: 225-354-3527 Cell: 225-715-6109 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000370 Page 370 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Joiner;Stephen Russo Cc: Subject: Attachments: Aly Neel Tue, 10 Mar 2020 22:29:23 -0500 Alexander Billioux;Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;Shauna Sanford;Tonya Kelly Zimmerman;Sean Ellis Re: FOR YOUR REVIEW: Updated case count NEWS RELEASE-COVID-19 testing UPDATE 10.20PM.docx Great. Final attached. Sean, you can move with this. Let's circulate and share on social. From: Alexander Billioux Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2020 10:21:31 PM To: Aly Neel; Christina Stephens; Matthew Block; Shauna Sanford; Tonya Joiner; Stephen Russo Cc: Kelly Zimmerman; Sean Ellis Subject: RE: FOR YOUR REVIEW: Updated case count Looks good, minor edits. Thanks! From: Aly Neel Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2020 10:16 PM To: Christina Stephens ; Matthew Block ; Shauna Sanford ; Alexander Billioux ; Tonya Joiner ; Stephen Russo Cc: Kelly Zimmerman ; Sean Ellis Subject: FOR YOUR REVIEW: Updated case count Team: Please see attached our press release from earlier today, updated with the developments. Please review and let me know if you have any flags. We will circulate ASAP and share on social. Thank you, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000371 Page 371 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health NEWS RELEASE March 10, 2020 UPDATE: Health officials on Tuesday confirm six total presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Louisiana as state increases testing for the virus BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Health reported on Tuesday evening three new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus. All three are residents of Orleans Parish. Two are hospitalized in Orleans Parish; the third is hospitalized in St. Tammany Parish. Gov. John Bel Edwards said, “Currently, we have a total of six presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana. While we investigate these cases, we cannot disclose any additional information about these patients at this time.” The presumptive positive tests will be sent to the CDC for final confirmation of COVID-19. Louisiana will move forward as if the tests are actual positives and take actions to contain the illness and assess the risk of spread. Additional tests will be administered to determine if more people have been infected after the Department’s epidemiology team performs an investigation of close contacts. At this time, there are a total of six known cases of the illness in the state. Gov. Edwards announced the state’s first presumptive positive case, a Jefferson Parish resident, on Monday, March 9, and two additional presumptive positive cases on Tuesday afternoon, both in Orleans Parish. “At this point in our investigation we believe the first presumptive positive announced yesterday [Monday] is not travel-related and was community acquired,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Health. Louisiana ramps up testing This comes as the state has increased testing for the virus. In the five days since receiving more test kits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LDH has tested more than seven times as many people for the virus. With 43 tests of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) now completed, only six have been identified as presumptive positive in Louisiana. This compares to five completed tests as of Friday, March 6. Health officials expected that increased testing for COVID-19 would lead to confirmation of additional cases in the state. LDH is following the CDC’s guidance and testing three groups of people – those who have traveled to certain areas and have symptoms, those who have had close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 and have symptoms, and people with an unexplained acute respiratory illness. The recent testing by the state laboratory run by LDH’s Office of Public Health includes samples from people who went to their doctor or to a hospital and had symptoms consistent with COVID-19, cough, AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000372 Page 372 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health headache, or lower respiratory illness. Some patients had recently traveled to a geographic area with known COVID-19 activity, while others did not have such a travel history. In other instances, OPH is using the tests for surveillance purposes. This is done using existing disease surveillance infrastructure that includes several hospitals and clinics throughout Louisiana. For COVID-19 surveillance, when patients are treated for respiratory illnesses, but are not diagnosed with influenza, swabbed samples are sent to the State public health lab where the COVID-19 test is done. Following CDC guidance, a sampling of cases from each site are sent the lab. This is a proven and effective system for the early detection of diseases, allowing health officials to take the appropriate next steps. For all people who have symptoms and who are being tested, they and their healthcare provider are being advised on precautions to take to prevent spreading the illness to others. Precautions include selfisolation at home or in an isolation room at the hospital. Some commercial labs are now equipped to conduct COVID-19 testing. With these private labs ready to test, healthcare providers will start sending their samples to those labs. LDH will be notified of any positive results coming from a commercial lab. Appropriate treatment and precautions will immediately be put in place for any positive commercial test before that test is confirmed by the State lab, and the public will be notified. Advice for the public State officials encourage Louisianans to take the following proactive steps to protect the health of themselves and those around them:  Stay home if you are sick.  Cover your cough.  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. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on LDH’s website: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000373 Page 373 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Joiner;Stephen Russo Cc: Subject: Attachments: Alexander Billioux Tue, 10 Mar 2020 22:21:31 -0500 Aly Neel;Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;Shauna Sanford;Tonya Kelly Zimmerman;Sean Ellis RE: FOR YOUR REVIEW: Updated case count NEWS RELEASE-COVID-19 testing UPDATE 10.20PM.docx Looks good, minor edits. Thanks! From: Aly Neel Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2020 10:16 PM To: Christina Stephens ; Matthew Block ; Shauna Sanford ; Alexander Billioux ; Tonya Joiner ; Stephen Russo Cc: Kelly Zimmerman ; Sean Ellis Subject: FOR YOUR REVIEW: Updated case count Team: Please see attached our press release from earlier today, updated with the developments. Please review and let me know if you have any flags. We will circulate ASAP and share on social. Thank you, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000374 Page 374 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health NEWS RELEASE March 10, 2020 UPDATE: Health officials on Tuesday confirm six total presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Louisiana as state increases testing for the virus BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Health reported on Tuesday evening three new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus., all All three are residents of Orleans Parish. Two are hospitalized in Orleans Parish; the third is hospitalized in St. Tammany Parish. Gov. John Bel Edwards said, “Currently, we have a total of six presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana. While we investigate these cases, we cannot disclose any additional information about these patients at this time.” The presumptive positive tests will be sent to the CDC for final confirmation of COVID-19. Louisiana will move forward as if the tests are actual positives and take actions to contain the illness and assess the risk of spread. Additional tests will be administered to determine if more people have been infected after the Department’s epidemiology team performs an investigation of close contacts. At this time, there are a total of six known cases of the illness in the state. Gov. Edwards announced the state’s first presumptive positive case, a Jefferson Parish resident, on Monday, March 9, and two additional presumptive positive cases on Tuesday afternoon, both in Orleans Parish. “At this point in our investigation we believe the first presumptive positive announced yesterday [Monday] is not travel-related and was community acquired,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Health. Louisiana ramps up testing This comes as the state has increased testing for the virus. In the five days since receiving more test kits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LDH has tested more than seven times as many people for the virus. With 43 tests of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) now completed, only six have been identified asconfirmed presumptive positive in Louisiana. This compares to five completed tests as of Friday, March 6. Health officials expected that increased testing for COVID-19 would lead to confirmation of additional cases in the state. LDH is following the CDC’s guidance and testing three groups of people – those who have traveled to certain areas and have symptoms, those who have had close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 and have symptoms, and people with an unexplained acute respiratory illness. A\11 • 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000375 Page 375 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health The recent testing by the state laboratory run by LDH’s Office of Public Health includes samples from people who went to their doctor or to a hospital and had symptoms consistent with COVID-19, cough, headache, or lower respiratory illness. Some patients had recently traveled to a geographic area with known COVID-19 activity, while others did not have such a travel history. In other instances, OPH is using the tests for surveillance purposes. This is done using existing disease surveillance infrastructure that includes several hospitals and clinics throughout Louisiana. For COVID-19 surveillance, when patients are treated for respiratory illnesses, but are not diagnosed with influenza, swabbed samples are sent to the State public health lab where the COVID-19 test is done. Following CDC guidance, a sampling of cases from each site are sent the lab. This is a proven and effective system for the early detection of diseases, allowing health officials to take the appropriate next steps. For all people who have symptoms and who are being tested, they and their healthcare provider are being advised on precautions to take to prevent spreading the illness to others. Precautions include selfisolation at home or in an isolation room at the hospital. Some commercial labs are now equipped to conduct COVID-19 testing. With these private labs ready to test, healthcare providers will start sending their samples to those labs. LDH will be notified of any positive results coming from a commercial lab. Appropriate treatment and precautions will immediately be put in place for any positive commercial test before that test is confirmed by the State lab, and the public will be notified. Advice for the public State officials encourage Louisianans to take the following proactive steps to protect the health of themselves and those around them:  Stay home if you are sick.  Cover your cough.  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. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on LDH’s website: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000376 Page 376 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Kelly Zimmerman Sent: Tue, 10 Mar 2020 22:17:00 -0500 To: Aly Neel Cc: Christina Stephens;Matthew Block;Shauna Sanford;Alexander Billioux;Tonya Joiner;Stephen Russo;Sean Ellis Subject: Re: FOR YOUR REVIEW: Updated case count Looks good. Kelly On Mar 10, 2020, at 10:15 PM, Aly Neel wrote: Team: Please see attached our press release from earlier today, updated with the developments. Please review and let me know if you have any flags. We will circulate ASAP and share on social. Thank you, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000377 Page 377 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Alicia Williams (GOV) Sent: Sat, 29 Feb 2020 16:18:29 -0600 To: Stephen Russo Cc: Mark Cooper;Matthew Block;Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens;Shauna Sanford;Katie Kirkpatrick Justice;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Alexander Billioux;Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: GOVERNOR-ONLY INVITE: Briefing Call on Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET FYI, The House Dem Caucus said they can take the Governor as soon as he arrives in the room. 11:00 am is when the call begins. We will be able to use the Board Room at L’Auberge which is steps away from where he will be speaking. Someone can dial in and be on when the Governor walks in. Once I receive the confirmation with the number, I will get it to you. The White House said they prefer only the Governor call in and others can be in the room. They will be having another call later in the week with all other stakeholders. The Governor leaves for the Press Club at 11:30 am so he has time to take the call before leaving. From: Stephen Russo Sent: Saturday, February 29, 2020 1:14 PM To: Alicia Williams (GOV) Cc: Mark Cooper ; Matthew Block ; Tina Vanichchagorn ; Christina Stephens ; Shauna Sanford ; Katie Kirkpatrick Justice ; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) ; Alexander Billioux ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: GOVERNOR-ONLY INVITE: Briefing Call on Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET Alicia Where should we gather Sent from my iPhone On Feb 29, 2020, at 12:19 PM, Alicia Williams (GOV) wrote: FYI From: Pottebaum, Nic D. EOP/WHO [mailto:Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov] Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 9:36 PM To: Pottebaum, Nic D. EOP/WHO Cc: Hoelscher, Douglas L. EOP/WHO ; Obenshain, Tucker T. EOP/OVP ; Swint, Zachariah D. EOP/WHO ; Imhoff, Olivia P. EOP/WHO A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000378 Page 378 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Subject: GOVERNOR-ONLY INVITE: Briefing Call on Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Dear Governor and Governor’s Senior Staff, Our Nation’s Governors are invited to a Governors-only Briefing Call with Vice President Mike Pence and Senior Administration Officials on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time for an update on the Federal-State-Local preparedness and response efforts to COVID-19. Participation in this call is for governors only. We encourage governors to be joined by their respective state health officer, homeland security advisor, emergency manager, and other key state leaders in the state’s preparedness and response efforts to COVID-19, but the call interactions will be limited only to governors and Federal leaders. Briefing Call Details  Date: Monday, March 2, 2020  Time: 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time  Expected Length: 30 minutes  Federal Participants: Vice President Mike Pence & Senior Administration Officials  Reminder: Participation in this call is for governors only. While we are allowing governors to be joined by their relevant cabinet members and key state officials (in the room with the governor – i.e. one call-in per state), only governors will be allowed to actively participate in the briefing. RSVP & Dial-In Information – Deadline to RSVP is Saturday, February 29 at 5:00 p.m. To RSVP your governor, email Nic Pottebaum with White House Intergovernmental Affairs (Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov) by no later than Saturday, February 29 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Once you RSVP your governor, you will receive call-in information and guidance. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the Office of the Vice President or White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office. Name Tucker Obenshain Nic Pottebaum Zach Swint Olivia Imhoff VERSIGHT Cell Phone 202-881-6217 202-881-7803 202-881-6717 202-881-7466 Email Anne.T.Obenshain@ovp.eop.gov Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov Zachariah.D.Swint2@who.eop.gov Olivia.P.Imhoff2@who.eop.gov LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000379 Page 379 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks, Nic -Nicholas D. Pottebaum Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs O: 202-456-2132 C: 202-881-7803 E: Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000380 Page 380 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Stephen Russo Sent: Sat, 29 Feb 2020 13:13:59 -0600 To: Alicia Williams (GOV) Cc: Mark Cooper;Matthew Block;Tina Vanichchagorn;Christina Stephens;Shauna Sanford;Katie Kirkpatrick Justice;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Alexander Billioux;Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: GOVERNOR-ONLY INVITE: Briefing Call on Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET Attachments: image001.png Alicia Where should we gather Sent from my iPhone On Feb 29, 2020, at 12:19 PM, Alicia Williams (GOV) wrote: FYI From: Pottebaum, Nic D. EOP/WHO [mailto:Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov] Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 9:36 PM To: Pottebaum, Nic D. EOP/WHO Cc: Hoelscher, Douglas L. EOP/WHO ; Obenshain, Tucker T. EOP/OVP ; Swint, Zachariah D. EOP/WHO ; Imhoff, Olivia P. EOP/WHO Subject: GOVERNOR-ONLY INVITE: Briefing Call on Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Dear Governor and Governor’s Senior Staff, Our Nation’s Governors are invited to a Governors-only Briefing Call with Vice President Mike Pence and Senior Administration Officials on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time for an update on the Federal-State-Local preparedness and response efforts to COVID-19. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000381 Page 381 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Participation in this call is for governors only. We encourage governors to be joined by their respective state health officer, homeland security advisor, emergency manager, and other key state leaders in the state’s preparedness and response efforts to COVID-19, but the call interactions will be limited only to governors and Federal leaders. Briefing Call Details  Date: Monday, March 2, 2020  Time: 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time  Expected Length: 30 minutes  Federal Participants: Vice President Mike Pence & Senior Administration Officials  Reminder: Participation in this call is for governors only. While we are allowing governors to be joined by their relevant cabinet members and key state officials (in the room with the governor – i.e. one call-in per state), only governors will be allowed to actively participate in the briefing. RSVP & Dial-In Information – Deadline to RSVP is Saturday, February 29 at 5:00 p.m. To RSVP your governor, email Nic Pottebaum with White House Intergovernmental Affairs (Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov) by no later than Saturday, February 29 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Once you RSVP your governor, you will receive call-in information and guidance. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the Office of the Vice President or White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office. Name Tucker Obenshain Nic Pottebaum Zach Swint Olivia Imhoff Cell Phone 202-881-6217 202-881-7803 202-881-6717 202-881-7466 Email Anne.T.Obenshain@ovp.eop.gov Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov Zachariah.D.Swint2@who.eop.gov Olivia.P.Imhoff2@who.eop.gov Thanks, Nic -Nicholas D. Pottebaum Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs O: 202-456-2132 C: 202-881-7803 E: Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000382 Page 382 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health THE. WHITE Page 383 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health ....... ,.. ■IRI■ THE WHITE HOUSE ,. · EF' ·' ,OVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000384 Page 384 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Fri, 6 Mar 2020 11:31:33 -0600 Adam Eitmann Tonya Joiner;Tina Vanichchagorn RE: Join Homeland/Health Meeting Hey Adam – Sure thing. Dr. Alex Billioux will be taking the lead on presenting for the Department – he is the SME and the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health. Note that Senate Health & Welfare has asked for the same coronavirus presentation that morning at 10:00 am. From our side, include: Myself Tonya Dr. Billioux (Alexander.Billioux@la.gov) Dr. Guidry (Jimmy.Guidry2@la.gov) – State Health Officer Steve (Stephen.Russo@la.gov) Aly (Aly.Neel@la.gov) – Comms Director From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Friday, March 6, 2020 11:24 AM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Cc: Tonya Joiner ; Tina Vanichchagorn Subject: Join Homeland/Health Meeting Lauren, We are having a pre-meeting before the Joint Homeland/Health meeting that is happening next Wednesday. Can you please provide me with the names and contact information for anyone who will be presenting? Can you also let me know who else needs to be at the meeting (comms, legislative, SME, etc)? I will send the calendar invite once I have that information. Thanks, Adam A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000385 Page 385 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Fri, 6 Mar 2020 17:31:19 +0000 Adam Eitmann Tonya Joiner;Tina Vanichchagorn RE: Join Homeland/Health Meeting Hey Adam – Sure thing. Dr. Alex Billioux will be taking the lead on presenting for the Department – he is the SME and the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health. Note that Senate Health & Welfare has asked for the same coronavirus presentation that morning at 10:00 am. From our side, include: Myself Tonya Dr. Billioux (Alexander.Billioux@la.gov) Dr. Guidry (Jimmy.Guidry2@la.gov) – State Health Officer Steve (Stephen.Russo@la.gov) Aly (Aly.Neel@la.gov) – Comms Director From: Adam Eitmann Sent: Friday, March 6, 2020 11:24 AM To: Lauren Gleason (LDH) Cc: Tonya Joiner ; Tina Vanichchagorn Subject: Join Homeland/Health Meeting Lauren, We are having a pre-meeting before the Joint Homeland/Health meeting that is happening next Wednesday. Can you please provide me with the names and contact information for anyone who will be presenting? Can you also let me know who else needs to be at the meeting (comms, legislative, SME, etc)? I will send the calendar invite once I have that information. Thanks, Adam A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000386 Page 386 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Tue, 3 Mar 2020 08:02:21 -0600 Tonya Joiner Mark Cooper;Stephen Russo Re: LDH Staffing Change I think Aly has done a good job with this, but you need think very big picture here on how you would staff if this goes on for many months with the Session and hurricane season at the same time. There is a learning curve with any new job, but also with crisis communications. Thanks. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 8:33 PM, Tonya Joiner wrote: I know that he has been involved, especially since he working directly with the EOC. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 3:09 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Is Bob playing an active role with messaging and the coronavirus, given that he is in OPH now? LDH certainly could be in the center of media attention for awhile, depending on the levels of COVID-19 we see here. Thanks, Christina From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 2:07 PM To: Christina Stephens Cc: Mark Cooper ; Stephen Russo Subject: LDH Staffing Change Good afternoon Christina: I know everything is crazy right now at least more than usual. However, I wanted to communicate to you that Kelly Zimmerman has been offered a communications director position in Medicaid and she has accepted. As you know, Kelly has been such a tremendous asset to the department and we believe she has done an amazing job over the past four years. Although, I will A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000387 Page 387 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health be very sad to see Kelly leave the Office of the Secretary, I have great comfort and confidence that she will continue to serve the department well by bringing her experience, skill set and work ethic to the Medicaid program. Kelly will have her own comms team to manage and will get a significant increase in pay, which as I understand is her reasons for accepting the position. Steve and I have a call with Dr. Phillips scheduled for tomorrow morning and will update her on the opening in BMAC and follow her guidance as it relates to filling the position. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter. Regards, Tonya TONYA OZENE JOINER Chief of Staff Office of the Secretary Tonya.joiner@la.gov Telephone: (225) 342-9001 Facsimile: (225) 342-3738 Cell: (225) 329-6886 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication contains information intended for the use of the individuals to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from other disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, printing, copying, distribution or use of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or by returning it by return mail and then permanently delete the communication from your system. Thank you. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000388 Page 388 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 389 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Tonya Joiner Tue, 3 Mar 2020 02:33:50 +0000 Christina Stephens Mark Cooper;Stephen Russo Re: LDH Staffing Change image001.jpg, image002.jpg, image003.jpg, image004.jpg I know that he has been involved, especially since he working directly with the EOC. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 3:09 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Is Bob playing an active role with messaging and the coronavirus, given that he is in OPH now? LDH certainly could be in the center of media attention for awhile, depending on the levels of COVID-19 we see here. Thanks, Christina From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 2:07 PM To: Christina Stephens Cc: Mark Cooper ; Stephen Russo Subject: LDH Staffing Change Good afternoon Christina: I know everything is crazy right now at least more than usual. However, I wanted to communicate to you that Kelly Zimmerman has been offered a communications director position in Medicaid and she has accepted. As you know, Kelly has been such a tremendous asset to the department and we believe she has done an amazing job over the past four years. Although, I will be very sad to see Kelly leave the Office of the Secretary, I have great comfort and confidence that she will continue to serve the department well by bringing her experience, skill set and work ethic to the Medicaid program. Kelly will have her own comms team to manage and will get a significant increase in pay, which as I understand is her reasons for accepting the position. Steve and I have a call with Dr. Phillips scheduled for tomorrow morning and will update her on the opening in BMAC and follow her guidance as it relates to filling the position. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000390 Page 390 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Regards, Tonya TONYA OZENE JOINER Chief of Staff Office of the Secretary Tonya.joiner@la.gov Telephone: (225) 342-9001 Facsimile: (225) 342-3738 Cell: (225) 329-6886 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication contains information intended for the use of the individuals to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from other disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, printing, copying, distribution or use of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or by returning it by return mail and then permanently delete the communication from your system. Thank you. LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH You lD VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000391 Page 391 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health ..r ] I, ~ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Cl~ to \.is..t us t.- LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000392 Page 392 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health D p,,.I'\• L_I ! PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000393 Page 393 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health p,,.I'\• L_I ! J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000394 Page 394 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Page 395 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Tonya.Joiner@la.gov Mon, 2 Mar 2020 20:33:50 -0600 Christina Stephens Mark Cooper;Stephen Russo Re: LDH Staffing Change I know that he has been involved, especially since he working directly with the EOC. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 2, 2020, at 3:09 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Is Bob playing an active role with messaging and the coronavirus, given that he is in OPH now? LDH certainly could be in the center of media attention for awhile, depending on the levels of COVID-19 we see here. Thanks, Christina From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 2:07 PM To: Christina Stephens Cc: Mark Cooper ; Stephen Russo Subject: LDH Staffing Change Good afternoon Christina: I know everything is crazy right now at least more than usual. However, I wanted to communicate to you that Kelly Zimmerman has been offered a communications director position in Medicaid and she has accepted. As you know, Kelly has been such a tremendous asset to the department and we believe she has done an amazing job over the past four years. Although, I will be very sad to see Kelly leave the Office of the Secretary, I have great comfort and confidence that she will continue to serve the department well by bringing her experience, skill set and work ethic to the Medicaid program. Kelly will have her own comms team to manage and will get a significant increase in pay, which as I understand is her reasons for accepting the position. Steve and I have a call with Dr. Phillips scheduled for tomorrow morning and will update her on the opening in BMAC and follow her guidance as it relates to filling the position. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter. Regards, AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000396 Page 396 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Tonya TONYA OZENE JOINER Chief of Staff Office of the Secretary Tonya.joiner@la.gov Telephone: (225) 342-9001 Facsimile: (225) 342-3738 Cell: (225) 329-6886 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication contains information intended for the use of the individuals to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from other disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, printing, copying, distribution or use of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or by returning it by return mail and then permanently delete the communication from your system. Thank you. A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000397 Page 397 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Mon, 2 Mar 2020 15:09:21 -0600 Tonya Joiner Mark Cooper;Stephen Russo RE: LDH Staffing Change Is Bob playing an active role with messaging and the coronavirus, given that he is in OPH now? LDH certainly could be in the center of media attention for awhile, depending on the levels of COVID-19 we see here. Thanks, Christina From: Tonya Joiner Sent: Monday, March 2, 2020 2:07 PM To: Christina Stephens Cc: Mark Cooper ; Stephen Russo Subject: LDH Staffing Change Good afternoon Christina: I know everything is crazy right now at least more than usual. However, I wanted to communicate to you that Kelly Zimmerman has been offered a communications director position in Medicaid and she has accepted. As you know, Kelly has been such a tremendous asset to the department and we believe she has done an amazing job over the past four years. Although, I will be very sad to see Kelly leave the Office of the Secretary, I have great comfort and confidence that she will continue to serve the department well by bringing her experience, skill set and work ethic to the Medicaid program. Kelly will have her own comms team to manage and will get a significant increase in pay, which as I understand is her reasons for accepting the position. Steve and I have a call with Dr. Phillips scheduled for tomorrow morning and will update her on the opening in BMAC and follow her guidance as it relates to filling the position. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter. Regards, Tonya TONYA OZENE JOINER Chief of Staff Office of the Secretary Tonya.joiner@la.gov Telephone: (225) 342-9001 Facsimile: (225) 342-3738 Cell: (225) 329-6886 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000398 Page 398 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ~, You • CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication contains information intended for the use of the individuals to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from other disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, printing, copying, distribution or use of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or by returning it by return mail and then permanently delete the communication from your system. Thank you. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000399 Page 399 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Kelly Zimmerman Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:32:52 -0500 Christina Stephens;Aly Neel;Shauna Sanford Tonya Joiner RE: Protocol for public reporting going forward We are working on a nice dashboard, but will post this chart for this evening at 5:30. Moving forward, numbers will be updated twice daily at 9 am and 4:30 pm. Presumptive Positive Test Results 9 CDC Confirmed Positive Cases 0 Parish of Residence Iberia: 1 Jefferson: 1 Orleans: 7 Deaths 0 From: Christina Stephens Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 3:31 PM To: Aly Neel ; Shauna Sanford Cc: Kelly Zimmerman ; Tonya Joiner Subject: RE: Protocol for public reporting going forward Okay – this is going to be put up this evening? From: Aly Neel Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:45 PM To: Christina Stephens ; Shauna Sanford Cc: Kelly Zimmerman ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Protocol for public reporting going forward Hello again: Please see attached our recommendation for the website. I've removed total PUIs tested for now while we sort out definitions with the lab. Thanks, Aly From: Aly Neel Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:18:16 AM To: Christina Stephens; Shauna Sanford VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000400 Page 400 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Cc: Kelly Zimmerman; Tonya Joiner Subject: Protocol for public reporting going forward Dear team: As discussed on our call just now, please find below the working protocol for public reporting on COVID19.  7:30/8AM Daily SITREP is circulated  Going forward all updates on case count will be shared on our website two times per day, at 9AM and 4:30PM. Information that will be shared: o o o o o o Total # PUI tests # deaths (with location) # confirmed (with location) # presumptive positive (with location) # negative Additional updates on presumptive positive/confirmed cases  LDH/GO will release a press statement only when there are major developments, i.e., in the case of a confirmed cluster or death. In the case of death, there will also be a press conference.  LDH will work with GO on notifying parish presidents on a case-by-case basis for now. Let me know if I'm missing anything. Thanks all, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000401 Page 401 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Aly Neel Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:44:35 -0500 Christina Stephens;Shauna Sanford Kelly Zimmerman;Tonya Joiner Re: Protocol for public reporting going forward Case Count for Website Recommendation.docx Hello again: Please see attached our recommendation for the website. I've removed total PUIs tested for now while we sort out definitions with the lab. Thanks, Aly From: Aly Neel Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:18:16 AM To: Christina Stephens; Shauna Sanford Cc: Kelly Zimmerman; Tonya Joiner Subject: Protocol for public reporting going forward Dear team: As discussed on our call just now, please find below the working protocol for public reporting on COVID19.  7:30/8AM Daily SITREP is circulated  Going forward all updates on case count will be shared on our website two times per day, at 9AM and 4:30PM. Information that will be shared: o Total # PUI tests o # deaths (with location) o # confirmed (with location) o # presumptive positive (with location) o # negative o Additional updates on presumptive positive/confirmed cases  LDH/GO will release a press statement only when there are major developments, i.e., in the case of a confirmed cluster or death. In the case of death, there will also be a press conference.  LDH will work with GO on notifying parish presidents on a case-by-case basis for now. Let me know if I'm missing anything. Thanks all, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000402 Page 402 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 Website Update Recommendations COVID-19 Case Counts Last updated: XXDate XXTime Presumptive Positive Test Results 6 CDC Confirmed Positive Cases 0 Parish of Residence Orleans: 5 Jefferson: 1 Deaths 0 Additional updates:  LDH believes the first presumptive positive case announced on March 9 (Jefferson Parish resident) was community-acquired and is not travel-related. Note: we discussed including hospital. However, we know there will soon be cases in which a person is confirmed positive but is not hospitalized. So, recommendation from our lab is not to include where hospitalized (hospitals are already self-reporting this, anyway; and public health has never reported where a patient is hospitalized). VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000403 Page 403 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:30:51 -0500 Aly Neel;Shauna Sanford Kelly Zimmerman;Tonya Joiner RE: Protocol for public reporting going forward Okay – this is going to be put up this evening? From: Aly Neel Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:45 PM To: Christina Stephens ; Shauna Sanford Cc: Kelly Zimmerman ; Tonya Joiner Subject: Re: Protocol for public reporting going forward Hello again: Please see attached our recommendation for the website. I've removed total PUIs tested for now while we sort out definitions with the lab. Thanks, Aly From: Aly Neel Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:18:16 AM To: Christina Stephens; Shauna Sanford Cc: Kelly Zimmerman; Tonya Joiner Subject: Protocol for public reporting going forward Dear team: As discussed on our call just now, please find below the working protocol for public reporting on COVID19.  7:30/8AM Daily SITREP is circulated  Going forward all updates on case count will be shared on our website two times per day, at 9AM and 4:30PM. Information that will be shared: o o o o o o Total # PUI tests # deaths (with location) # confirmed (with location) # presumptive positive (with location) # negative Additional updates on presumptive positive/confirmed cases A\11 ~ 11(,J\'\J PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000404 Page 404 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health  LDH/GO will release a press statement only when there are major developments, i.e., in the case of a confirmed cluster or death. In the case of death, there will also be a press conference.  LDH will work with GO on notifying parish presidents on a case-by-case basis for now. Let me know if I'm missing anything. Thanks all, Aly AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000405 Page 405 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Cindy Rives Sat, 14 Mar 2020 02:32:24 +0000 Matthew Block Mark Cooper;Casey Tingle Re: Rep. GG (LA-06) Thanks will do. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 13, 2020, at 9:16 PM, Matthew Block wrote: Matthew F. Block Executive Counsel to the Governor matthew.block@la.gov Begin forwarded message: From: "Graves, Garret" Date: March 13, 2020 at 7:36:00 PM CDT To: Matthew Block Subject: FW: Rep. GG (LA-06) EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Wanted you to look through some of this. It is a draft of the 2nd emergency coronavirus supplemental. We have flagged some sections where the state would have to make a request. Thought you might want to start working on some of this. Current version is 108 pages. <20200313204453808.pdf> AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000406 Page 406 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Cindy.Rives@la.gov Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:32:20 -0500 Matthew Block Mark Cooper;Casey Tingle Re: Rep. GG (LA-06) Thanks will do. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 13, 2020, at 9:16 PM, Matthew Block wrote: Matthew F. Block Executive Counsel to the Governor matthew.block@la.gov Begin forwarded message: From: "Graves, Garret" Date: March 13, 2020 at 7:36:00 PM CDT To: Matthew Block Subject: FW: Rep. GG (LA-06) EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Wanted you to look through some of this. It is a draft of the 2nd emergency coronavirus supplemental. We have flagged some sections where the state would have to make a request. Thought you might want to start working on some of this. Current version is 108 pages. <20200313204453808.pdf> AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000407 Page 407 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Omar Khalid Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:16:09 -0500 Christina Stephens Aly Neel;David Timoll Re: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning image001.png That’s correct. Omar Khalid Chief of Staff Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 225.953.2784 Sent from mobile On Mar 11, 2020, at 5:13 PM, Christina Stephens wrote: Thank you – so Mayor Broome and the two parish paresidents? From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 4:39 PM To: Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; David Timoll Subject: FW: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Christina--just received word below that Mayor Cantrell will not be attending the press conference tomorrow. From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 4:38 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000408 Page 408 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Good afternoon Omar, I was just informed that Mayor Cantrell will not be attending the press conference tomorrow. Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:48 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Yes, Mayor is confirmed. Thanks Omar Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:23 PM To: Catrina M. Simmons ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Hi Catrina, we are working out some details but this is what we have so far. We are asking that the 9:15 meeting be attended by only Mayor Cantrell and Dr. Avegno or her designee as space will be limited. I’m happy to answer any additional questions, please let me know if we can confirm this so I can let the Gov’s office know. Thanks for your assistance with this! A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000409 Page 409 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks, Omar Thursday March 12: 09:15 AM – 09:45 AM Discussion with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana)  Opportunity to talk about the status of COVID-19 in Louisiana prior to press event  Mayor Cantrell, Mayor Broome, President Lee Sheng, President Cooper  Area hospital executives (5 max) This will be an informal, unstructured opportunity for the participants to discuss the situation with the Governor and Surgeon General, with a small group of hospital executives in attendance. Please limit staff to one for this discussion 09:45 AM – 10:15 AM Press Event with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana)  Proposed Run of Show:  9:45 Welcome and opening comments by Governor Edwards  9:55 Introductory comments by Surgeon General RADM Jerome Adams, MD  10:05 questions fielded by Governor Edwards and the Surgeon General From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:08 PM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. ; Omar Khalid VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000410 Page 410 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good afternoon Omar, Can you forward a run of show or agenda for the press conference? Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:46 AM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Good Morning Dr. Avegno, I spoke to the mayor and have placed the press conference on the mayor’s calendar. Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 9:53 AM To: Catrina M. Simmons Subject: Fwd: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning A\11 ')IC,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000411 Page 411 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Please see urgent request for the mayor tomorrow From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 9:51 AM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Cc: Alexander Billioux; Joseph Kanter Subject: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Good Morning Dr. Avegno, My thoughts are definitely with you, I can imagine how challenging these days are like for you and your team. As you know we are working with the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States to schedule a visit to Louisiana. While this was intended to be a routine visit when originally planned, the spread of COVID-19 has meant that we have had to do some scrambling to change and add some events. The Surgeon General will now be holding a press conference with Governor Edwards tomorrow morning at 9:15am-10:15am at the Governor’s office at the Capitol. We would like for the Mayors/Parish Presidents of areas with presumptive positives for COVID-19 cases to be in attendance, with an opportunity to meet privately with the Governor and Surgeon General and other municipal leaders. Of course this is very short notice, but due to the rapid developments of this situation and the profile of the event, we would be very grateful if Mayor Cantrell could attend. So far Mayor Broome has been invited and Parish President Lee Sheng has confirmed. We are also reaching out to Parish President Cooper in St. Tammany. Schedule: 9:00 9:15 meeting with Governor Edwards, Surgeon General Adams, and Mayors Cantrell and Broome/Presidents Lee Sheng and Cooper 9:30 Press Conference Happy to discuss this further by phone if you’d like. Thanks, Omar Khalid Pronouns: He/Him/His Chief of Staff Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 omar.khalid@la.gov 225-953-2784 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000412 Page 412 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health LOUISIANA DEPARTMENTO:F HEALTH Pl VERSIGHT th LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000413 Page 413 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health r. V ~Of HEALTH ~ V RSIG LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000414 Page 414 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:13:57 -0500 Omar Khalid Aly Neel;David Timoll RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Thank you – so Mayor Broome and the two parish paresidents? From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 4:39 PM To: Christina Stephens Cc: Aly Neel ; David Timoll Subject: FW: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Christina--just received word below that Mayor Cantrell will not be attending the press conference tomorrow. From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 4:38 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good afternoon Omar, I was just informed that Mayor Cantrell will not be attending the press conference tomorrow. Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:48 PM To: Omar Khalid ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000415 Page 415 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Yes, Mayor is confirmed. Thanks Omar Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:23 PM To: Catrina M. Simmons ; Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Hi Catrina, we are working out some details but this is what we have so far. We are asking that the 9:15 meeting be attended by only Mayor Cantrell and Dr. Avegno or her designee as space will be limited. I’m happy to answer any additional questions, please let me know if we can confirm this so I can let the Gov’s office know. Thanks for your assistance with this! Thanks, Omar Thursday March 12: 09:15 AM – 09:45 AM Discussion with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana)  Opportunity to talk about the status of COVID-19 in Louisiana prior to press event  Mayor Cantrell, Mayor Broome, President Lee Sheng, President Cooper  Area hospital executives (5 max) This will be an informal, unstructured opportunity for the participants to discuss the situation with the Governor and Surgeon General, with a small group of hospital executives in attendance. Please limit staff to one for this discussion VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000416 Page 416 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health 09:45 AM – 10:15 AM Press Event with Governor John Bel Edwards (State Capitol 4th floor, Governor’s office 900 North 3rd Street; Baton Rouge, Louisiana)  Proposed Run of Show:  9:45 Welcome and opening comments by Governor Edwards  9:55 Introductory comments by Surgeon General RADM Jerome Adams, MD  10:05 questions fielded by Governor Edwards and the Surgeon General From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:08 PM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. ; Omar Khalid Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please do not click on links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Good afternoon Omar, Can you forward a run of show or agenda for the press conference? Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Catrina M. Simmons Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 11:46 AM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Subject: RE: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Good Morning Dr. Avegno, I spoke to the mayor and have placed the press conference on the mayor’s calendar. A\11 ')I(,/\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000417 Page 417 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Thanks, Catrina Simmons-Steib Director of Scheduling Office of the Mayor LaToya Cantrell l City of New Orleans 1300 Perdido St 2E04 New Orleans, LA 70112 cmsimmons@nola.gov O: 504-658-4900 From: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 9:53 AM To: Catrina M. Simmons Subject: Fwd: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Please see urgent request for the mayor tomorrow From: Omar Khalid Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 9:51 AM To: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. Cc: Alexander Billioux; Joseph Kanter Subject: Surgeon General Visit - Press Conference tomorrow morning Good Morning Dr. Avegno, My thoughts are definitely with you, I can imagine how challenging these days are like for you and your team. As you know we are working with the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States to schedule a visit to Louisiana. While this was intended to be a routine visit when originally planned, the spread of COVID-19 has meant that we have had to do some scrambling to change and add some events. The Surgeon General will now be holding a press conference with Governor Edwards tomorrow morning at 9:15am-10:15am at the Governor’s office at the Capitol. We would like for the Mayors/Parish Presidents of areas with presumptive positives for COVID-19 cases to be in attendance, with an opportunity to meet privately with the Governor and Surgeon General and other municipal leaders. Of course this is very short notice, but due to the rapid developments of this situation and the profile of the event, we would be very grateful if Mayor Cantrell could attend. So far Mayor Broome has been invited and Parish President Lee Sheng has confirmed. We are also reaching out to Parish President Cooper in St. Tammany. Schedule: 9:00 9:15 meeting with Governor Edwards, Surgeon General Adams, and Mayors Cantrell and Broome/Presidents Lee Sheng and Cooper 9:30 Press Conference A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000418 Page 418 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Happy to discuss this further by phone if you’d like. Thanks, Omar Khalid Pronouns: He/Him/His Chief of Staff Office of Public Health Louisiana Department of Health 628 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 omar.khalid@la.gov 225-953-2784 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH "" ,, ERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000419 Page 419 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Aly Neel Thu, 5 Mar 2020 20:21:17 -0600 Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Jimmy Guidry (LDH) Mike Steele;Casey Tingle Re: Trigger for school closures? Christina, see our guidance below. Short answer: Potential school closures and cleanings are in our plans should we need them but in this situation that would not be our recommendation. More information:  Where there has been a student in a school with COVID-19 we could certainly look at closing and cleaning, but triggering for that would be someone in the school with COVID-19, not just in the community. The latter doesn't make sense to us because COVID-19 would still be in the community and no closer or farther from the school.  Specifically, the circumstance(s) that would prompt us to suggest school closures would be first, when we have detected that children within the school are actively transmitting an infection at the school, causing an outbreak and significant disruption. Secondly, we might consider the suggestion if a significant number of students or faculty were out, and normal school activities simply could not continue. In any of these circumstances, we would suggest a thorough school cleaning.  Dr. Guidry does have authority here re closing the school, but usually it’s a partnership in which OPH gives advice and the school official closes the school. Hope this helps! Aly From: Christina Stephens Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2020 2:48:59 PM To: Aly Neel; Alexander Billioux; Jimmy Guidry (LDH) Cc: Mike Steele; Casey Tingle Subject: Trigger for school closures? Hello – We have seen some news out Tennessee that they closed all of the county’s schools to decontaminate them because a man in the county has COVID-19. It doesn’t seem to be connected to the school, but some parents have been told that it is part of the plan for school there to shut down for two days to be cleaned. Someone in our office is asking if 1) this is something that we have in our plans for schools and 2) what the trigger for closing school would be. https://www.wsmv.com/news/williamson_county/williamson-county-schools-to-close-friday-mondayin-response-to/article_f0d0110e-5f01-11ea-9ad6-cf79dc9a1496.html https://www.newschannel5.com/news/williamson-county-schools-to-close-for-cleaning-after-firstconfirmed-tenn-case-of-coronavirus Thanks, Christina A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000420 Page 420 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: EOCWATCH Sent: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 08:37:52 -0500 To: Tonya Joiner;Stephen Russo;Alexander Billioux;Frank Welch;Kelly Zimmerman;Omar Khalid;Robert Johannessen;INACTIVE - Christina Stephens;Shauna Sanford Subject: SitRep 3/12/20 Attachments: COVID-19 Summary_031220_0730.docx See attached SitRep. Sundee From: Sundee Winder Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 8:33 AM To: EOCWATCH Subject: SitRep 3/12/20 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000421 Page 421 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Daily Summary 3/12/20 at 0730 Table 1: US Case Counts United States Updated 3/11/20 at 0700 CDC Case Counts Total Cases New Cases Total Deaths New Deaths 938 291 29 4 Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html Note: For consistency, the national case counts reported by the Louisiana Department of Health will follow the counts reported daily, M-F, by the CDC. This information might be different from reports by news organizations that update more frequently. Table 2: Louisiana Testing and Results Updated 3/12/20 at 0700 Laboratory Testing Number of Persons Number of Under Investigation Presumptive (PUI) Tests Negative Positive Persons 13 7 New Results (on 3/11) Cumulative Results (as of 38 13 3/12 700) Source: OPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section and OPH Laboratory CDC Confirmed Cases 0 0 Table 3: General Information Line General Information Line Calls on 3/11/20 from 800 to 1630 Cumulative Calls Count 112 549 Note: Bureau of Community Preparedness staffs the general information line Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. The phone number for this line is 855-523-2652. Calls = Number of calls received and answered during the Operational Period of 8 to 4:30 pm. Voice messages received outside of regular business hours are returned and captured in the call count the following day. VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000422 Page 422 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Updates and Headlines Updates Public Health declaration issued on 3/11/20 State announces 13 presumptive positive cases on 3/11/20 211 activated and liaison will report to LDH EOC on 3/12/20 Headlines Louisiana coronavirus count rises to 13 as virus spreads across state The Advocate Caddo officials release information on Coronavirus case in the parish KSLA-TV Latest: 13 presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Louisiana; public health emergency issued WDSU-TV Three of Louisiana's 13 coronavirus patients are residents of same New Orleans senior living facility WBRZ-TV Map shows coronavirus cases in Louisiana, Texas and beyond The Advertiser LSU says it has no coronavirus cases, classes unaffected at this time WBRZ-TV Coronavirus and Louisiana: 5 big stories to know, from 13 confirmed cases to empty stadiums The Advocate Coronavirus in Louisiana: See this map to view patient locations, more details nola.com Coronavirus clusters swell on both sides of the US Associated Press NBA suspends its season after player tests positive for coronavirus CNN VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000423 Page 423 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: EOCWATCH Sent: Fri, 13 Mar 2020 07:40:27 -0500 To: Tonya Joiner;Stephen Russo;Alexander Billioux;Frank Welch;Kelly Zimmerman;Omar Khalid;Robert Johannessen;Shauna Sanford;Aly Neel;Cindy Rives;David Timoll;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Joseph Kanter;Lauren Gleason (LDH);Mark A Thomas;Michelle Miley;Pam Diez;Rosanne Prats;Ashley Peak;INACTIVE - Christina Stephens;Melinda Richard Cc: EOCWATCH Subject: SitRep 3/13 Attachments: COVID-19 Summary_031320_0730.docx See attached SitRep. Sundée E: eocwatch@la.gov P: 225.354.3570 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000424 Page 424 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Daily Summary 3/13/20 at 0730 Table 1: US Case Counts United States Updated 3/13/20 at 0700 CDC Case Counts Total Cases New Cases Total Deaths New Deaths 1,215 277 36 7 Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html Note: For consistency, the national case counts reported by the Louisiana Department of Health will follow the counts reported daily, M-F, by the CDC. This information might be different from reports by news organizations that update more frequently. Table 2: Louisiana Testing and Results Louisiana Updated 3/13/20 at 0700 Laboratory Testing Number of Persons Number of Under Investigation Presumptive (PUI) Tests Negative Positive Persons 23 20 New Results (on 3/12) Cumulative Results (as of 61 33 3/13 700) Source: OPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section and OPH Laboratory CDC Confirmed Cases 0 0 Table 3: General Information Line General Information Line Calls on 3/12/20 from 800 to 1630 Cumulative Calls Count 257 806 Note: Bureau of Community Preparedness staffs the general information line Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. The phone number for this line is 855-523-2652. Calls = Number of calls received and answered during the Operational Period of 8 to 4:30 pm. Voice messages received outside of regular business hours are returned and captured in the call count the following day. VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000425 Page 425 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Table 4: LA 211 Phone Calls 211 Calls on 3/12/20 from 700 to 1900 Cumulative Calls Count 158 191 Note: LA 211 is operational 24/7 to answer calls from the public. Updates and Headlines Updates LA 211 has been activated to receive calls from the general public OPH Lab established an COVID email address (COVIDLAB@LA.GOV) for provider lab questions Headlines THE LATEST: Presumptive positive cases of coronavirus reported in La. WAFB-TV Latest: Louisiana now has 19 coronavirus cases; most are in New Orleans WDSU-TV Coronavirus in Louisiana: 4 big stories, from changes at universities to frustration with testing The Advocate Louisiana Coronavirus Updates: 19 presumed cases, 15 in Orleans WWL-TV 64 tested for coronavirus in Louisiana, but South Korea tests 15,000 daily: 'I am very concerned' nola.com What some shoppers in Lafayette are saying about coronavirus KLFY-TV Most coronavirus patients recover, stoill anxiety, fear loom Associated Press VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000426 Page 426 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:36:42 -0500 To: Wong, Michael (Kennedy);Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov;James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov;peter.hunter@m ail.house.gov;Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov;Sawyer, Paul;Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov;Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov;Trokey, Claire;Trowbridge, Fred;Miller, Megan (Bel);Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov;Eby, Michael (Cassidy);Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy);Cambon, Allen;Bernhard, James;Cavell, David;McNabb, Brian (Cassidy);Chautin, John;Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov;Walecki, Jack;Morris, Brad;Steinsholt, Natalie;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Casey Tingle;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Mike Steele Subject: State Briefing on COVID-19 Attachments: 25 JBE 2020 COVID-19.pdf, COVID-19 Summary_031220_0730.pdf This call will provide updates from state on COVID-19 response activities. Attached are LDH’s Daily Summary and the Governor’s Declaration. The link below is the site with the latest guidance for the public. http://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus/ Dial: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000427 Page 427 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION NUMBER 25 JBE 2020 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY - COVID-19 WHEREAS, the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act, La. R.S. 29:760, et seq., confers upon the Governor of the State of Louisiana emergency powers to deal with public health emergencies, including an occurrence or imminent threat of an illness or health condition that is believed to be caused by the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated infectious agent or biological toxin, in order to ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters and to preserve the health and lives of the people of the State of Louisiana; WHEREAS, when the Governor after consultation with the public health authority determines that a public health emergency has occurred, or the threat thereof is imminent, La. R.S. 29:766(A) empowers him to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation; WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in many other countries, including in the United States. The virus has been named "SARS-Co V-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19"); WHEREAS, according to the CDC's website, person-to-person spread has been subsequently reported in countries outside China, including in the United States. Some international destinations now have apparent community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19, as do some parts of the United States. Community spread means some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they became exposed; WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation's healthcare community in responding to COVID-19; WHEREAS, a World Health Organization statement released March 7, 2020 stated that the global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 100,000; WHEREAS, as of March 11, 2020, the CDC's website reports that 38 states, including the District of Columbia, have reported cases of COVID-19 to CDC, for a total of 938 confirmed cases, and that states have reported 29 deaths resulting from COVID-19; AMERICAN pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000428 Page 428 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health WHEREAS, on March, 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the COVID-19 outbreak as a worldwide pandemic; WHEREAS, on March, 9, 2020, a Louisiana resident, pursuant to CDC protocol, was tested for COVID-19, with the test being presumptively positive; WHEREAS, in the last two days, several more Louisiana residents have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19; WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana has reason to believe that COVID-19 may be spread amongst the population by various means of exposure, therefore posing a high probability of widespread exposure and a significant risk of substantial future harm to a large number of Louisiana citizens; WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Louisiana has consulted with the public health authority regarding COVID-19; WHEREAS, the Governor, after such consultation, finds that a threat of a public health emergency is imminent; WHEREAS, a declaration of public health emergency is necessary to allow state agencies to thoroughly prepare for any eventuality related to public health needs and deploy additional resources to assist local authorities, if necessary; and WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Department of Health and the State Health Officer have requested that a public health emergency be declared. NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN BEL EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the state of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows: SECTION 1: Pursuant to the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act, La. R.S. 29:760, et seq., a statewide public health emergency is declared to exist in the State of Louisiana as a result of the imminent threat posed to Louisiana citizens by COVID-19, which has created emergency conditions that threaten the lives and health of the citizens of the State. SECTION 2: The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Secretary of the Department of Health are hereby expressly empowered to take any and all actions authorized under the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act, La. R.S. 29:760 et seq. in relation to this public health emergency. SECTION 3: The Secretary of the Department of Health and/or the State Health Officer are hereby expressly empowered to take any and all actions authorized thereto under Titles 29 and 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and under the State Sanitary Code (LAC Title 51) in relation to this public health emergency. SECTION 4: Pursuant to La. R.S. 29:724(D)(l), the Louisiana Procurement Code (La. R.S. 39:1551, et seq.) and Louisiana Public Bid Law (La. R.S. 38:2211, et seq.) and their corresponding rules and regulations are hereby suspended for the purpose of the procurement of any good or services necessary to respond to this emergency. SECTION 5: Pursuant to La. R.S. 29:732(A), prices charged or value received for goods and services sold may not exceed the prices ordinarily charged for comparable goods and services in the same market area at or immediately before the time of the state of emergency, unless the price by the seller is attributable to fluctuations in applicable commodity markets, fluctuations in applicable regional or national market trends, or to reasonable expenses and charges and attendant business risk AMFRICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000429 Page 429 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health incurred in procuring or selling the goods or services during the state of emergency. SECTION6: SECTION7: SECTION8: In addition to any authority conferred generally herein or by law, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, through consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Health, shall have the primary jurisdiction, responsibility and authority for: 1. Planning and executing public health emergency assessment, mitigation, preparedness response, and recovery for the state; 2. Coordinating public health emergency response between state and local authorities; 3. Collaborating with relevant federal government authorities, elected officials of other states, private organizations or companies; 4. Coordinating recovery operations and mitigation initiatives subsequent to public health emergencies; 5. Organizing publi<:information activities regarding public health emergency response operations; and 6. Taking any other measures deemed necessary and proper, as authorized by law. The following travel restrictions will apply to all state employees: A. All state employees intending to travel beyond the continental United States shall review the CDC's website at http ://wwwnc.cdq ~ov/travel/notices to determine if the country to be visited has been identified as posing a threat of contracting COVID-19; B. All state employees traveling on state business to areas designated as Warning Level 2 or Level 3 or above by the CDC are hereby directed to cancel or postpone these trips; all employees traveling internationally to other countries are hereby required to obtain specific authorization from the Commissioner of Administration; C. All state employees intending to travel internationally for non-official reasons are hereby directed to notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director of the travel as soon as possible, but in no event later than fortyeight (48) hours prior to travel, and immediately upon return to the United States; D. All state employees with household members who intend to travel or have traveled to areas designated as Warning Level 2 or Level 3 or above by the CDC are hereby directed to notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director of the travel as soon as possible, but in no event later than fortyeight (48) hours prior to the household member's departure, to state the household member's expected date of return, and to notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director immediately upon the household member's actual return to the United States; and E. All state employees shall notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director if the employee or a household member develops symptoms associated with COVID-19. The Civil Service Commission and the Division of Administration are hereby directed to develop a set of guidelines for state employees who are infected with COVID-19 or under quarantine for possible exposure to COVID-19. Such guidelines shall include direction for the management of sick leave by state AMERICAN pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000430 Page 430 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health employees and provide for direction, if possible, for the employee to work remotely. The guidelines developed by the Civil Service Commission and the Division of Administration shall be put into effect by this order. SECTION 9: All orders allowing for visitation by the parent of a foster child that resides in a home that is quarantined or isolated due to COVID-19 are hereby suspended. The Department of Child and Family Services is hereby ordered to make all reasonable efforts to allow for alternative visitation. SECTION 10: This Proclamation shall be disseminated promptly by means reasonably calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public. The Proclamation shall also be promptly filed with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, with the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, and with the Secretary of State. SECTION 11: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies and officers of the State, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate in actions the State may take in response to the effects of this event. SECTION 12: This order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect from Wednesday, March 11, 2020 to Thursday, April 9, 2020, unless terminated sooner. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana in the City of Baton Rouge on this 11th day ofMarch 0. OR OF LOUISIANA ATTEST BY THE SECRETARY OFSTATE A ERIC N pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000431 Page 431 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Daily Summary 3/12/20 at 0730 Table 1: US Case Counts United States Updated 3/11/20 at 0700 CDC Case Counts Total Cases New Cases Total Deaths New Deaths 938 291 29 4 Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html Note: For consistency, the national case counts reported by the Louisiana Department of Health will follow the counts reported daily, M-F, by the CDC. This information might be different from reports by news organizations that update more frequently. Table 2: Louisiana Testing and Results Updated 3/12/20 at 0700 Laboratory Testing Number of Persons Number of Under Investigation Presumptive (PUI) Tests Negative Positive Persons 13 7 New Results (on 3/11) Cumulative Results (as of 38 13 3/12 700) Source: OPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section and OPH Laboratory CDC Confirmed Cases 0 0 Table 3: General Information Line General Information Line Calls on 3/11/20 from 800 to 1630 Cumulative Calls Count 112 549 Note: Bureau of Community Preparedness staffs the general information line Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. The phone number for this line is 855-523-2652. Calls = Number of calls received and answered during the Operational Period of 8 to 4:30 pm. Voice messages received outside of regular business hours are returned and captured in the call count the following day. VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000432 Page 432 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Updates and Headlines Updates Public Health declaration issued on 3/11/20 State announces 13 presumptive positive cases on 3/11/20 211 activated and liaison will report to LDH EOC on 3/12/20 Headlines Louisiana coronavirus count rises to 13 as virus spreads across state The Advocate Caddo officials release information on Coronavirus case in the parish KSLA-TV Latest: 13 presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Louisiana; public health emergency issued WDSU-TV Three of Louisiana's 13 coronavirus patients are residents of same New Orleans senior living facility WBRZ-TV Map shows coronavirus cases in Louisiana, Texas and beyond The Advertiser LSU says it has no coronavirus cases, classes unaffected at this time WBRZ-TV Coronavirus and Louisiana: 5 big stories to know, from 13 confirmed cases to empty stadiums The Advocate Coronavirus in Louisiana: See this map to view patient locations, more details nola.com Coronavirus clusters swell on both sides of the US Associated Press NBA suspends its season after player tests positive for coronavirus CNN VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000433 Page 433 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:36:43 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Wong, Michael (Kennedy);Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov;James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov;peter.hunter@m ail.house.gov;Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov;Sawyer, Paul;Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov;Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov;Trokey, Claire;Trowbridge, Fred;Miller, Megan (Bel);Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov;Eby, Michael (Cassidy);Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy);Cambon, Allen;Bernhard, James;Cavell, David;McNabb, Brian (Cassidy);Chautin, John;Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov;Walecki, Jack;Morris, Brad;Steinsholt, Natalie;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Mike Steele Subject: State Briefing on COVID-19 Attachments: 25 JBE 2020 COVID-19.pdf, COVID-19 Summary_031220_0730.pdf This call will provide updates from state on COVID-19 response activities. Attached are LDH’s Daily Summary and the Governor’s Declaration. The link below is the site with the latest guidance for the public. http://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus/ Dial: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000434 Page 434 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION NUMBER 25 JBE 2020 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY - COVID-19 WHEREAS, the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act, La. R.S. 29:760, et seq., confers upon the Governor of the State of Louisiana emergency powers to deal with public health emergencies, including an occurrence or imminent threat of an illness or health condition that is believed to be caused by the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated infectious agent or biological toxin, in order to ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters and to preserve the health and lives of the people of the State of Louisiana; WHEREAS, when the Governor after consultation with the public health authority determines that a public health emergency has occurred, or the threat thereof is imminent, La. R.S. 29:766(A) empowers him to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation; WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in many other countries, including in the United States. The virus has been named "SARS-Co V-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19"); WHEREAS, according to the CDC's website, person-to-person spread has been subsequently reported in countries outside China, including in the United States. Some international destinations now have apparent community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19, as do some parts of the United States. Community spread means some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they became exposed; WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation's healthcare community in responding to COVID-19; WHEREAS, a World Health Organization statement released March 7, 2020 stated that the global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 100,000; WHEREAS, as of March 11, 2020, the CDC's website reports that 38 states, including the District of Columbia, have reported cases of COVID-19 to CDC, for a total of 938 confirmed cases, and that states have reported 29 deaths resulting from COVID-19; AMERICAN pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000435 Page 435 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health WHEREAS, on March, 11, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the COVID-19 outbreak as a worldwide pandemic; WHEREAS, on March, 9, 2020, a Louisiana resident, pursuant to CDC protocol, was tested for COVID-19, with the test being presumptively positive; WHEREAS, in the last two days, several more Louisiana residents have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19; WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana has reason to believe that COVID-19 may be spread amongst the population by various means of exposure, therefore posing a high probability of widespread exposure and a significant risk of substantial future harm to a large number of Louisiana citizens; WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Louisiana has consulted with the public health authority regarding COVID-19; WHEREAS, the Governor, after such consultation, finds that a threat of a public health emergency is imminent; WHEREAS, a declaration of public health emergency is necessary to allow state agencies to thoroughly prepare for any eventuality related to public health needs and deploy additional resources to assist local authorities, if necessary; and WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Department of Health and the State Health Officer have requested that a public health emergency be declared. NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN BEL EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the state of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows: SECTION 1: Pursuant to the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act, La. R.S. 29:760, et seq., a statewide public health emergency is declared to exist in the State of Louisiana as a result of the imminent threat posed to Louisiana citizens by COVID-19, which has created emergency conditions that threaten the lives and health of the citizens of the State. SECTION 2: The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Secretary of the Department of Health are hereby expressly empowered to take any and all actions authorized under the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act, La. R.S. 29:760 et seq. in relation to this public health emergency. SECTION 3: The Secretary of the Department of Health and/or the State Health Officer are hereby expressly empowered to take any and all actions authorized thereto under Titles 29 and 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and under the State Sanitary Code (LAC Title 51) in relation to this public health emergency. SECTION 4: Pursuant to La. R.S. 29:724(D)(l), the Louisiana Procurement Code (La. R.S. 39:1551, et seq.) and Louisiana Public Bid Law (La. R.S. 38:2211, et seq.) and their corresponding rules and regulations are hereby suspended for the purpose of the procurement of any good or services necessary to respond to this emergency. SECTION 5: Pursuant to La. R.S. 29:732(A), prices charged or value received for goods and services sold may not exceed the prices ordinarily charged for comparable goods and services in the same market area at or immediately before the time of the state of emergency, unless the price by the seller is attributable to fluctuations in applicable commodity markets, fluctuations in applicable regional or national market trends, or to reasonable expenses and charges and attendant business risk AMFRICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000436 Page 436 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health incurred in procuring or selling the goods or services during the state of emergency. SECTION6: SECTION7: SECTION8: In addition to any authority conferred generally herein or by law, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, through consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Health, shall have the primary jurisdiction, responsibility and authority for: 1. Planning and executing public health emergency assessment, mitigation, preparedness response, and recovery for the state; 2. Coordinating public health emergency response between state and local authorities; 3. Collaborating with relevant federal government authorities, elected officials of other states, private organizations or companies; 4. Coordinating recovery operations and mitigation initiatives subsequent to public health emergencies; 5. Organizing publi<:information activities regarding public health emergency response operations; and 6. Taking any other measures deemed necessary and proper, as authorized by law. The following travel restrictions will apply to all state employees: A. All state employees intending to travel beyond the continental United States shall review the CDC's website at http ://wwwnc.cdq ~ov/travel/notices to determine if the country to be visited has been identified as posing a threat of contracting COVID-19; B. All state employees traveling on state business to areas designated as Warning Level 2 or Level 3 or above by the CDC are hereby directed to cancel or postpone these trips; all employees traveling internationally to other countries are hereby required to obtain specific authorization from the Commissioner of Administration; C. All state employees intending to travel internationally for non-official reasons are hereby directed to notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director of the travel as soon as possible, but in no event later than fortyeight (48) hours prior to travel, and immediately upon return to the United States; D. All state employees with household members who intend to travel or have traveled to areas designated as Warning Level 2 or Level 3 or above by the CDC are hereby directed to notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director of the travel as soon as possible, but in no event later than fortyeight (48) hours prior to the household member's departure, to state the household member's expected date of return, and to notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director immediately upon the household member's actual return to the United States; and E. All state employees shall notify their supervisor and Human Resources Director if the employee or a household member develops symptoms associated with COVID-19. The Civil Service Commission and the Division of Administration are hereby directed to develop a set of guidelines for state employees who are infected with COVID-19 or under quarantine for possible exposure to COVID-19. Such guidelines shall include direction for the management of sick leave by state AMERICAN pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000437 Page 437 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health employees and provide for direction, if possible, for the employee to work remotely. The guidelines developed by the Civil Service Commission and the Division of Administration shall be put into effect by this order. SECTION 9: All orders allowing for visitation by the parent of a foster child that resides in a home that is quarantined or isolated due to COVID-19 are hereby suspended. The Department of Child and Family Services is hereby ordered to make all reasonable efforts to allow for alternative visitation. SECTION 10: This Proclamation shall be disseminated promptly by means reasonably calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public. The Proclamation shall also be promptly filed with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, with the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, and with the Secretary of State. SECTION 11: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies and officers of the State, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate in actions the State may take in response to the effects of this event. SECTION 12: This order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect from Wednesday, March 11, 2020 to Thursday, April 9, 2020, unless terminated sooner. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana in the City of Baton Rouge on this 11th day ofMarch 0. OR OF LOUISIANA ATTEST BY THE SECRETARY OFSTATE A ERIC N pVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000438 Page 438 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Daily Summary 3/12/20 at 0730 Table 1: US Case Counts United States Updated 3/11/20 at 0700 CDC Case Counts Total Cases New Cases Total Deaths New Deaths 938 291 29 4 Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html Note: For consistency, the national case counts reported by the Louisiana Department of Health will follow the counts reported daily, M-F, by the CDC. This information might be different from reports by news organizations that update more frequently. Table 2: Louisiana Testing and Results Updated 3/12/20 at 0700 Laboratory Testing Number of Persons Number of Under Investigation Presumptive (PUI) Tests Negative Positive Persons 13 7 New Results (on 3/11) Cumulative Results (as of 38 13 3/12 700) Source: OPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section and OPH Laboratory CDC Confirmed Cases 0 0 Table 3: General Information Line General Information Line Calls on 3/11/20 from 800 to 1630 Cumulative Calls Count 112 549 Note: Bureau of Community Preparedness staffs the general information line Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. The phone number for this line is 855-523-2652. Calls = Number of calls received and answered during the Operational Period of 8 to 4:30 pm. Voice messages received outside of regular business hours are returned and captured in the call count the following day. VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000439 Page 439 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Louisiana Department of Health Updates and Headlines Updates Public Health declaration issued on 3/11/20 State announces 13 presumptive positive cases on 3/11/20 211 activated and liaison will report to LDH EOC on 3/12/20 Headlines Louisiana coronavirus count rises to 13 as virus spreads across state The Advocate Caddo officials release information on Coronavirus case in the parish KSLA-TV Latest: 13 presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Louisiana; public health emergency issued WDSU-TV Three of Louisiana's 13 coronavirus patients are residents of same New Orleans senior living facility WBRZ-TV Map shows coronavirus cases in Louisiana, Texas and beyond The Advertiser LSU says it has no coronavirus cases, classes unaffected at this time WBRZ-TV Coronavirus and Louisiana: 5 big stories to know, from 13 confirmed cases to empty stadiums The Advocate Coronavirus in Louisiana: See this map to view patient locations, more details nola.com Coronavirus clusters swell on both sides of the US Associated Press NBA suspends its season after player tests positive for coronavirus CNN VERSIGHT LDH Emergency Operations Center LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000440 Page 440 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 13:28:05 -0600 To: Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov;James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov;peter.hunter@mail.house.g ov;Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov;Sawyer, Paul;Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov;Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov;Trokey, Claire;Trowbridge, Fred;Miller, Megan (Bel);Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov;Eby, Michael (Cassidy);Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy);Cambon, Allen;Bernhard, James;Cavell, David;McNabb, Brian (Cassidy);Chautin, John;Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov;Walecki, Jack;Morris, Brad;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Casey Tingle;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Mike Steele Subject: State Briefing on COVID-19 Attachments: Covid-19 FAQs 03022020 3.12PM.DOCX, COVID-19_Business_Guidance .docx, LawEnforcement_COVID-19.docx, Colleges_Universities_COVID-19.docx Briefing for Louisiana Congressional Delegation on the latest state efforts on COVID-19. Conference Call Info: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 Attached are several informational pieces that may be helpful for your offices. Let me know if there are any questions. Thank you, Casey Tingle Deputy Director Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 225-485-7451 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000441 Page 441 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Because the situation continues to evolve, this document will be regularly updated. The information below reflects the situation as of 03/02/2020. Q: Are there any confirmed cases in Louisiana? A: As of 03/02/20, there are no confirmed cases in Louisiana. Q: What is the current situation? A: While the CDC now expect community spread in some parts of the U.S., the immediate threat to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it is important to be prepared, which is what we have been doing since the outbreak in mainland China. Q: What is the protocol in place for responding to a pandemic like COVID-19? A: COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The CDC recommends using the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plan as our model for the response because COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The Louisiana Department of Health has been working on our Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the last 15 years, and we have been preparing for COVID-19 since early January 2020. The Governor directed the formation of a COVID-19 Task Force with representation from state agencies and federal partners key to preparing for a COVID-19 outbreak to guide updating pandemic flu and continuity of operations planning documents and advise the Unified Command Group. Q: What have you been doing as far as monitoring people who may have been exposed? A: Our first priority was to ensure we were monitoring any travelers who returned to Louisiana from visiting China, where many of the cases have occurred, and especially Wuhan, the city that experienced the largest outbreak. We touch base with those travelers each day and ask about their symptoms during a 14-day period of observation. We are also ensuring that travelers know the destinations where nonessential travel should be avoided. Q: Do we have the capability to test? A: We do have the capability to test for COVID-19 in-state. Providers should contact the Office of Public Health Division's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi). Testing is prioritized for individuals that meet clinical and risk criteria. Q: What’s the next major step in the Department’s plan for responding to an outbreak? A: Mirroring the federal government’s response, we are moving from a ‘containment’ approach in which we focused on restricting travel from the outbreak area in Wuhan city and Hubei province in China and monitoring returning travelers from other parts of China, to a ‘mitigation’ approach in which we anticipate and plan for person-to-person transmission in the community somewhere in the United States and ensure state and local governments, health care providers, schools, businesses, and community members are adequately prepared to take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We don’t want people to be alarmed, but we do want them to be prepared. We also want businesses and health care facilities to be prepared to make sure people are safe and protected so we can avoid an unnecessary spread, including planning now for actions that can be taken to avoid the spread of infections such as mandatory teleworking and canceling unnecessary large gatherings. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000442 Page 442 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM Q: What are you doing to make sure hospitals are prepared? A: LDH has been working with Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) and the ESF8 Network to prepare hospitals for an outbreak and ensure they have the proper supplies needed as well as protocols are in place for anyone treated who tests positive. We haven’t had any indication that hospitals don’t have what they need on the supply side. Q: Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? A: Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Q: Are you in regular contact with the federal government? A: Yes. We are in very regular contact with the CDC and HHS; we’re currently averaging several calls per week just with the CDC. In addition we have standing calls across state health departments and a standing call internally in Louisiana. This is all very important so that we all have the latest data, are on the same page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. Q: Should individuals and families have a plan if an outbreak occurs? There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. The same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu put you in a good position for any respiratory illness - cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot! Individuals and families should also monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for updated travel advisories before making plans to travel internationally. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000443 Page 443 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Louisiana Business, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19. Much is unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. CDC industry guidance   Resources for airlines Resources for the ship industry Coronavirus Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people, such as with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China and some limited person-to-person transmission has been reported in countries outside China, including the United States. However, respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza, are currently widespread in many U.S. communities. The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19. To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use only the guidance described below to determine risk of COVID-19. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other features of COVID-19, and investigations are ongoing. Updates are available on CDC’s webpage at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/covid19. Recommended strategies for employers to use now  Actively encourage sick employees to stay home: o Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of Page 1 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000444 Page 444 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o  Separate sick employees: o  CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available). Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees: o o o o o  fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies. Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way. Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual. Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen. Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees. Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% to 95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene. Visit the coughing and sneezing etiquette and clean hands webpage for more information. Perform routine environmental cleaning: o o Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time. Page 2 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000445 Page 445 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls and desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use. Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps:  o o o o  Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found at on the CDC website. Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed. If outside the United States, sick employees should follow your company’s policy for obtaining medical care or contact a healthcare provider or overseas medical assistance company to assist them with finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services. However, U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability and resources to evacuate or give medicines, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas. Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor Page 3 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000446 Page 446 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:         Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Additional measures in response to currently occurring sporadic importations of COVID-19: o Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. Planning for a possible COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The severity of illness or how many people will fall ill from COVID-19 is unknown at this time. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., employers should plan to be able to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to refine their business response plans as needed. For the general American public, such as workers in non-healthcare settings and where it is unlikely that work tasks create an increased risk of exposures to COVID-19, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. The CDC and its partners will continue to monitor national and international data on the severity of illness caused by COVID-19, will disseminate the results of these ongoing surveillance assessments and will make additional recommendations as needed. Page 4 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000447 Page 447 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Planning considerations All employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread of acute respiratory illness and lower the impact of COVID-19 in their workplace in the event of an outbreak in the US. They should identify and communicate their objectives, which may include one or more of the following: (a) reducing transmission among staff, (b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications, (c) maintaining business operations, and (d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains. Some of the key considerations when making decisions on appropriate responses are: Disease severity (i.e., number of people who are sick, hospitalization and death rates) in the community where the business is located;  Impact of disease on employees that are vulnerable and may be at higher risk for COVID-19 adverse health complications. Inform employees that some people may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.  Prepare for possible increased numbers of employee absences due to illness in employees and their family members, dismissals of early childhood programs and K-12 schools due to high levels of absenteeism or illness. o Employers should plan to monitor and respond to absenteeism at the workplace. Implement plans to continue your essential business functions in case you experience higher than usual absenteeism. o Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent. o Assess your essential functions and the reliance that others and the community have on your services or products. Be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations (e.g., identify alternative suppliers, prioritize customers, or temporarily suspend some of your operations if needed).  Employers with more than one business location are encouraged to provide local managers with the authority to take appropriate actions outlined in their business infectious disease outbreak response plan based on the condition in each locality.  Coordination with state and local health officials is strongly encouraged for all businesses so that timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses in each location where their operations reside. Since the intensity of an outbreak may differ according to geographic location, local health officials will be issuing guidance specific to their communities.  Important considerations for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan: All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. During a COVID-19 outbreak, all sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched surfaces should be performed regularly.  Employers should: Page 5 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000448 Page 448 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o Ensure the plan is flexible and involve your employees in developing and reviewing your plan. Conduct a focused discussion or exercise using your plan, to find out ahead of time whether the plan has gaps or problems that need to be corrected. Share your plan with employees and explain what human resources policies, workplace and leave flexibilities, and pay and benefits will be available to them. Share best practices with other businesses in your communities (especially those in your supply chain), chambers of commerce and associations to improve community response efforts. Recommendations for an infectious disease outbreak response plan:         Identify possible work-related exposure and health risks to your employees. OSHA has more information on how to protect workers from potential exposures to COVID-19. Review human resources policies to make sure that policies and practices are consistent with public health recommendations and are consistent with existing state and federal workplace laws (for more information on employer responsibilities, visit the Department of Labor’s and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s websites). Explore whether you can establish policies and practices, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and others if state and local health authorities recommend the use of social distancing strategies. For employees who are able to telework, supervisors should encourage employees to telework instead of coming into the workplace until symptoms are completely resolved. Ensure that you have the information technology and infrastructure needed to support multiple employees who may be able to work from home. Identify essential business functions, essential jobs or roles, and critical elements within your supply chains (e.g., raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products and logistics) required to maintain business operations. Plan for how your business will operate if there is increasing absenteeism or these supply chains are interrupted. Set up authorities, triggers and procedures for activating and terminating the company’s infectious disease outbreak response plan, altering business operations (e.g., possibly changing or closing operations in affected areas) and transferring business knowledge to key employees. Work closely with your local health officials to identify these triggers. Plan to minimize exposure between employees and also between employees and the public, if public health officials call for social distancing. Establish a process to communicate information to employees and business partners on your infectious disease outbreak response plans and latest COVID-19 information. Anticipate employee fear, anxiety, rumors and misinformation, and plan communications accordingly. In some communities, early childhood programs and K-12 schools may be dismissed, particularly if COVID-19 worsens. Determine how you will operate if absenteeism spikes from increases in sick employees, those who stay home to care for sick family members, and those who must stay home to watch their children if dismissed from school. Businesses and other employers should prepare to institute flexible workplace and leave policies for these employees. Page 6 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000449 Page 449 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Local conditions will influence the decisions that public health officials make regarding community-level strategies; employers should take the time now to learn about plans in place in each community where they have a business. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., consider canceling nonessential business travel to additional countries per travel guidance on the CDC website.   o o Travel restrictions may be enacted by other countries which may limit the ability of employees to return home if they become sick while on travel status. Consider cancelling large work-related meetings or events. Engage state and local health departments to confirm channels of communication and methods for dissemination of local outbreak information. Resources For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652    CDC guidance    COVID-19 Website What You Need to Know About COVID-19 What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19 Page 7 of 7 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000450 Page 450 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other areas, including the United States. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness.      Data suggests that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. The virus causing COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, of people who are nearby. Close contact may include: Being within approximately 6 feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. Having direct contact with body fluids (such as blood, phlegm, and respiratory droplets) from an individual with COVID-19. To protect yourself from exposure       If possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available and illicit drugs are NOT suspected to be present, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Have a trained Emergency Medical Service/ Emergency Medical Technician (EMS/EMT) assess and transport anyone you think might have COVID-19 to a healthcare facility. Ensure only trained personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) have contact with individuals who have or may have COVID-19. Learn your employer’s plan for exposure control and participate in all-hands training on the use of PPE for respiratory protection, If available. Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS. Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties. These alternative styles (i.e. coveralls) must provide protection that is at least as great as that provided by the minimum amount of PPE recommended. The minimum PPE recommended is: VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000451 Page 451 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health A single pair of disposable examination gloves, Disposable isolation gown or single-use/disposable coveralls*, Any NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e., N-95 or higher-level respirator), and Eye protection (i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that fully covers the front and sides of the face)     *If unable to wear a disposable gown or coveralls because it limits access to duty belt and gear, ensure duty belt and gear are disinfected after contact with individual. If close contact occurred during apprehension Clean and disinfect duty belt and gear prior to reuse using a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the product label. Follow standard operating procedures for the containment and disposal of used PPE. Follow standard operating procedures for containing and laundering clothes. Avoid shaking the clothes.    For law enforcement personnel performing daily routine activities, the immediate health risk is considered low. Law enforcement leadership and personnel should follow CDC’s Interim General Business Guidance. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000452 Page 452 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Louisiana Higher Education Administrator, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Please check the following CDC website periodically for updated interim guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Health officials are taking steps to prevent community spread of COVID-19 into U.S. communities. Institutions of higher education (IHE) can play an important role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments, IHE should disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission to their students, staff and faculty. IHE should prepare to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their students, staff and faculty should local health officials identify such a need. IHE should continue to collaborate, share information and review plans with local health officials to help protect their entire IHE community, including those who may be at risk for severe disease with COVID-19. IHE plans should be designed to minimize disruption to teaching and learning and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination. Who is this guidance for? This interim guidance is intended to help administrators of public and private institutions of higher education prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students, staff and faculty. IHE include a diverse set of American colleges and universities: two- or four-year; public, private nonprofit or private for-profit; and comprehensive, research-focused or special mission. IHE administrators are individuals who make policies and procedures, set educational aims and standards, and direct programming of institutions of higher education. Administrators include a range of higher education leaders and managers, such as department chairs/heads, deans, presidents and provosts. Why is this guidance being issued? Information provided should help IHE and their partners understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among students, faculty and staff. It also aims to help IHE react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching, learning and research if there is community spread of COVID-19 and address concerns related to COVID-19 associated stigma. Page 1 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000453 Page 453 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What is the role of IHE in responding to COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. Learn more about COVID-19. IHE, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of disease. IHE’s efforts will help ensure students, staff and faculty have safe and healthy environments in which to learn and work. IHE welcome students, staff, faculty and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in IHE settings, often sharing spaces, equipment and supplies. Some individuals are experiencing stigma and discrimination in the United States related to COVID-19. This includes people of Chinese and Asian descent, as well as some returning travelers and emergency responders who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important for IHE to provide accurate and timely information about COVID-19 to students, staff and faculty to minimize the potential for stigma on college and university campuses. It is also important to provide mental health support to promote resilience among those groups affected by stigma regarding COVID-19. CDC has information IHE can share to reduce COVID-19 associated fear and stigma. Guidance for IHE that do not have COVID-19 identified in their community To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for IHE to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, IHE should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks. IHE want to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities. IHE administrators nationwide can take steps now to help stop or slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19:  Review, update and implement emergency operations plans (EOPs). This should be done in collaboration with local health departments, the IHE’s university system and other relevant partners. Focus on components, or annexes, of the plans that address infectious disease outbreaks. o Ensure the plan is updated to include strategies to reduce the spread of a wide variety of infectious diseases. Effective strategies build on everyday policies and practices. o Ensure the plan emphasizes preventive actions for students and staff. Emphasize actions individuals can take including, staying home when sick, appropriately covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and washing hands often.  CDC has workplace resources including guidance posters with messages for staff about staying home when sick and how to avoid spreading germs at work. o Ensure handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Page 2 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000454 Page 454 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include health promotion materials and information on proper handwashing technique. Reference key resources while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP.  Multiple federal agencies have developed resources on school planning principles and a 6-step process for creating plans to build and continually foster safe and healthy school communities before, during and after possible emergencies. IHE may find this guidance for developing high-quality emergency operations plans helpful.  Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center’s website contains free resources, trainings and TA for schools, including IHE, and their community partners, including many tools and resources on emergency planning and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Develop information-sharing systems with partners.  Institutional information systems should be used for day-to-day reporting on information such as absenteeism or changes in student health center traffic to detect and respond to an outbreak.  Local health officials should be a key partner in information sharing.  o o  Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Page 3 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000455 Page 455 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)     o o o o o Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Monitor and plan for absenteeism.  Review attendance and sick leave policies. Students, staff and faculty should not attend class or work when sick. Allow them to stay home to care for sick household members. Make accommodations (e.g., extended due dates, electronic submission of assignments), as possible, for individuals who may be temporarily unable to attend class due to restrictions placed on them related to possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID19.  Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by crosstraining staff and faculty.  Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your institution and on your campus among students, staff and faculty. Consider identifying and implementing processes for faculty and IHE leadership to report noticeable changes in absenteeism, even if subjective, to a designated administrator.  Alert local health officials about large increases in student, staff and faculty absenteeism or substantial increases in student health center traffic due to respiratory illnesses (like the common cold or the “flu,” which have symptoms similar to symptoms of COVID-19).  Determine what level of absenteeism will disrupt continuity of teaching, learning, and research. Establish procedures for students, staff, and faculty who are sick (with any illness) on campus.  Establish procedures to ensure students, staff and faculty who become sick (with any illness) on campus or arrive on campus sick are sent to their place of residence as soon as possible.  Keep sick individuals separate from well individuals until they can leave.  Sick residents of on-campus housing in communities with no identified COVID-19 and who are not believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 should avoid contact with well individuals while sick. Ensure IHE health clinics prepare for COVID-19.  Review CDC guidance to help healthcare facilities prepare for COVID-19. Guidance includes steps to take now and strategies for preparing for community transmission of COVID-19. Perform routine environmental cleaning.  Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.  Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students, staff and faculty before each use. Create plans to communicate accurate and timely information to the IHE community. Page 4 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000456 Page 456 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Include strategies for sharing information with staff, students and faculty without increasing fear and stigma. Keeping the community informed with accurate information can counter the spread of misinformation and reduce the potential for fear and stigma.  Include strategies to communicate steps being taken by the IHE to prepare and how additional information will be shared.  Include strategies to communicate changes to usual campus schedules or functions.  Include strategies to communicate information IHE community members can use to protect themselves from infectious disease, including COVID-19. Review CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers.  Review this CDC guidance to identify any additional strategies the IHE can use, given its role as an employer.  o IHE administrators can also support their IHE community by sharing COVID-19 informational resources with students, staff and faculty. Coordinate with local health officials to determine what type of information is best to share with the IHE community. Consider sharing the following fact sheets and information sources:    Information about COVID-19 available through state and local health departments General fact sheets to help students, staff, faculty, and their families understand COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves: o What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pdf o What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) o Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 o Share facts about COVID-19 to help prevent stigma CDC information for students, staff, and faculty who have recently traveled back to the United States from areas where CDC has identified community spread of coronavirus: o A list of countries where community spread of COVID-19 is occurring can be found on the CDC webpage: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel For guidance for students, staff or faculty who plan to travel, or have recently traveled, to areas with community spread of COVID-19, refer to CDC’s FAQ for travelers and COVID-19 travel website. For specific guidance on foreign exchange and study abroad programs, see CDC’s guidance on student foreign travel for IHE. Guidance for IHE with identified cases of COVID-19 in their community If local health officials report that there are cases of COVID-19 in the community, IHE need to take additional steps in response to prevent further spread of the disease. The first step for IHE in this situation is to talk with local health officials. Determine if, when and for how long the IHE may need to suspend classes and postpone or cancel events and activities. Page 5 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000457 Page 457 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Temporarily suspending classes is a strategy to stop or slow the further spread of COVID-19 in communities. When classes are suspended, IHE may stay open for staff or faculty (unless ill) while students temporarily stop attending in-person classes. Keeping the IHE facilities open a) allows faculty to develop and deliver lessons and materials electronically, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning; and b) allows other staff members to continue to provide services and help with additional response efforts. IHE administrators should work in close collaboration with local health officials and the IHE’s university system to make class suspension and event and activity cancellation decisions. IHE are not expected to make decisions about suspending classes or canceling events on their own. IHE can seek specific guidance from local health officials to determine if, when and for how long to take these steps. Class suspension and event and activity (e.g., on-campus sporting, theater and music events) cancellation may be recommended for at least 14 days, or possibly longer if advised by local health officials. The nature of these actions (e.g., geographic scope, duration) may change as the local outbreak situation evolves. If a student, staff or faculty member attended class or was active on campus prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case:    Local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Individuals may be considered active on campus if they had attended class, work, work-study or some other type of gathering or event (e.g., student meetings, recreational activities) on campus. Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., all campuses in a university system or only select campuses) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-todate information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. IHE should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure. This communication to the IHE community should align with the communication plan in the IHE’s emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student, staff member or faculty member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. IHE administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students, staff and faculty should return to campus and what additional steps are needed for the IHE community. In addition, students, staff and faculty who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to campus. If classes are suspended, IHE can consider the following steps:   Temporarily cancel extracurricular group activities and large events. o Cancel or postpone events such as club meetings, performances, social events, athletic team practices and sporting events. Discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering or socializing anywhere. o Discourage gatherings at places like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant or a local coffee shop. Page 6 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000458 Page 458 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)  Ensure continuity of education and research. o Review continuity plans, including plans for the continuity of teaching, learning and research. Implement e-learning plans and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate. o Ensure continuity plans address how to temporarily postpone, limit or adapt research-related activities (e.g., study recruitment or participation, access to labs) in a manner that protects the safety of researchers, participants, facilities, and equipment. o Consider the following approaches:  Use of existing infrastructure and services (e.g., Blackboard, Skype, Zoom) to support efficient transition of classes from in-person to distance-based formats. This may include using strategies such as faculty check-ins, recorded class meetings or lectures, and live class meetings.  Other student support services such as online library services, print materials available online, phone- or internet-based counseling support, or study groups enabled through digital media. o IHE will need to determine, in consultation with their university system:  How to convert face-to-face lessons into online lessons and how to train faculty to do so.  How to triage technical issues if faced with limited IT support and staff  How to deal with the potential lack of students’ access to computers and the Internet at home or in temporary housing. o Ensure continuity of safe housing.  Work in close collaboration with local health officials to make all decisions related to on-campus housing.  If cases of COVID-19 have not been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, students may be allowed to remain in on-campus housing. In this situation, educate housing residents on the precautions they should take to help protect themselves when there is community spread of COVID-19. Residents should follow any more specific recommendations provided by local health officials.  If cases of COVID-19 have been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, work with local health officials to take additional precautions. Individuals with COVID-19 may need to be moved to temporary housing locations. These individuals will need to self-isolate and monitor for worsening symptoms according to the guidance of local health officials. Close contacts of the individuals with COVID-19 may also need temporary housing so that they can self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Consult with local health officials to determine when, how, and where to move ill residents. Information on providing home care to individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization is available on CDC’s website.  Residents identified with COVID-19 or identified as contacts of individuals with COVID-19 should not necessarily be sent to their permanent homes off-campus. Sending sick residents to their permanent homes could be unfeasible, pose logistical challenges or pose risk of transmission to others either on the way to the home or once there. IHEs should work with local health officials to determine appropriate housing for the period in which they need to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms or worsening symptoms. Page 7 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000459 Page 459 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Remember to consider all types of IHE-affiliated housing when making response plans. Distinct housing types (e.g., residence halls, apartments, fraternity and sorority houses) and situations (e.g., housing owned and run by the IHE, housing on the IHE campus but not run by the IHE) may require tailored approaches.  Ensure any staff remaining to support students in on-campus housing receive necessary training to protect themselves and residents from spread of COVID-19. Staff should also be trained on how to respond if a resident becomes ill. o Ensure continuity of meal programs.  Consult with local health officials to determine strategies for modifying food service offerings to the IHE community.  Consider ways to distribute food to students, particularly those who may remain on campus, while classes or other events and activities are dismissed.  If there is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid food distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as “graband-go” bagged lunches or meal delivery.  Consider if and how existing dining services should be scaled back or adapted. For example, an IHE may close some of or all its cafeterias/cafes to discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering in group settings.  If on-campus housing residents have been relocated to temporary alternative housing, consider how meals can be provided to these students. Work with local health officials to determine strategies for providing meals to residents with COVID-19 or who are being monitored because of contact with persons with COVID-19.  Ensure any staff remaining on campus to support food services receive necessary training to protect themselves and those they serve from spread of COVID-19. o Consider if and when to stop, scale back or modify other support services on campus.  Consider alternatives for providing students with essential medical and social services. Identify ways to ensure these services are provided while classes are dismissed or students are in temporary housing.  Identify other types of services provided to students, staff and faculty (e.g., library services, cleaning services). Consider ways to adapt these to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission while maintaining services deemed necessary.  Help counter stigma and promote resilience on campus.  Share facts about COVID-19 through trusted dissemination channels to counter the spread of misinformation and mitigate fear. o Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people. o Develop plans to support students, staff and faculty who may feel overwhelmed by COVID-19 and associated events on campus.  Ensure continuity of mental health services, such as offering remote counseling. Encourage students to call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) if they are feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression, anxiety or feeling like wanting to harm themselves or others.  Page 8 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000460 Page 460 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for student foreign travel for IHE This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with students participating in foreign exchange or study abroad programs. Consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs. Given the global outbreak of COVID-19, IHE should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs. IHE should consider asking current program participants to return to their home country. Those overseeing student foreign exchange programs should be aware that students may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad. IHEs should consider asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States. IHEs should work with state and local public health officials to determine the best approach for when and how (e.g., chartered transportation for countries or areas assessed as high-risk for exposure) their study abroad students might return. All plans for returning study abroad students should be designed to protect participants from stigma and discrimination. The COVID-19 situation is dynamic. Given the speed of spread and the number of countries experiencing human-to-human transmission, IHEs should evaluate the risks associated with choosing to maintain programs abroad and take the appropriate proactive measures. IHEs that continue to maintain programs abroad should monitor cdc.gov/COVID-19 for additional information. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 Page 9 of 9 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000461 Page 461 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Casey Tingle Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2020 19:28:06 +0000 To: Casey Tingle;Preston_Robinson@Kennedy.senate.gov;James_Quinn@cassidy.senate.gov;peter.hunter@mail.h ouse.gov;Luke.Letlow@mail.house.gov;Sawyer, Paul;Kathee.Facchiano@mail.house.gov;Hayden.Haynes@mail.house.gov;Trokey, Claire;Trowbridge, Fred;Miller, Megan (Bel);Ted.Verrill@mail.house.gov;Eby, Michael (Cassidy);Vicknair, Jay (Kennedy);Cambon, Allen;Bernhard, James;Cavell, David;McNabb, Brian (Cassidy);Chautin, John;Leslie.Quinn@mail.house.gov;Walecki, Jack;Morris, Brad;Christina Stephens;Alexander Billioux;Rosanne Prats;Jimmy Guidry (LDH);Christopher Guilbeaux;Tina Vanichchagorn;Aly Neel;Stephen Russo;Mike Steele Subject: State Briefing on COVID-19 Attachments: Covid-19 FAQs 03022020 3.12PM.DOCX, COVID-19_Business_Guidance .docx, LawEnforcement_COVID-19.docx, Colleges_Universities_COVID-19.docx Briefing for Louisiana Congressional Delegation on the latest state efforts on COVID-19. Conference Call Info: USA 215 861 0674 USA 8883982342 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 198611 Attached are several informational pieces that may be helpful for your offices. Let me know if there are any questions. Thank you, Casey Tingle Deputy Director Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 225-485-7451 AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000462 Page 462 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Because the situation continues to evolve, this document will be regularly updated. The information below reflects the situation as of 03/02/2020. Q: Are there any confirmed cases in Louisiana? A: As of 03/02/20, there are no confirmed cases in Louisiana. Q: What is the current situation? A: While the CDC now expect community spread in some parts of the U.S., the immediate threat to the U.S. remains low. We are not seeing the same level of spread other countries are seeing. That said, it is important to be prepared, which is what we have been doing since the outbreak in mainland China. Q: What is the protocol in place for responding to a pandemic like COVID-19? A: COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The CDC recommends using the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plan as our model for the response because COVID-19 in many ways behaves similarly to influenza. The Louisiana Department of Health has been working on our Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the last 15 years, and we have been preparing for COVID-19 since early January 2020. The Governor directed the formation of a COVID-19 Task Force with representation from state agencies and federal partners key to preparing for a COVID-19 outbreak to guide updating pandemic flu and continuity of operations planning documents and advise the Unified Command Group. Q: What have you been doing as far as monitoring people who may have been exposed? A: Our first priority was to ensure we were monitoring any travelers who returned to Louisiana from visiting China, where many of the cases have occurred, and especially Wuhan, the city that experienced the largest outbreak. We touch base with those travelers each day and ask about their symptoms during a 14-day period of observation. We are also ensuring that travelers know the destinations where nonessential travel should be avoided. Q: Do we have the capability to test? A: We do have the capability to test for COVID-19 in-state. Providers should contact the Office of Public Health Division's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program (IDEpi). Testing is prioritized for individuals that meet clinical and risk criteria. Q: What’s the next major step in the Department’s plan for responding to an outbreak? A: Mirroring the federal government’s response, we are moving from a ‘containment’ approach in which we focused on restricting travel from the outbreak area in Wuhan city and Hubei province in China and monitoring returning travelers from other parts of China, to a ‘mitigation’ approach in which we anticipate and plan for person-to-person transmission in the community somewhere in the United States and ensure state and local governments, health care providers, schools, businesses, and community members are adequately prepared to take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We don’t want people to be alarmed, but we do want them to be prepared. We also want businesses and health care facilities to be prepared to make sure people are safe and protected so we can avoid an unnecessary spread, including planning now for actions that can be taken to avoid the spread of infections such as mandatory teleworking and canceling unnecessary large gatherings. VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000463 Page 463 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health Last revised 03/02/2020 3:12PM Q: What are you doing to make sure hospitals are prepared? A: LDH has been working with Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) and the ESF8 Network to prepare hospitals for an outbreak and ensure they have the proper supplies needed as well as protocols are in place for anyone treated who tests positive. We haven’t had any indication that hospitals don’t have what they need on the supply side. Q: Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? A: Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. Q: Are you in regular contact with the federal government? A: Yes. We are in very regular contact with the CDC and HHS; we’re currently averaging several calls per week just with the CDC. In addition we have standing calls across state health departments and a standing call internally in Louisiana. This is all very important so that we all have the latest data, are on the same page, and can adapt our plans as conditions change. Q: Should individuals and families have a plan if an outbreak occurs? There are actions we all can take as individuals to be prepared for COVID-19. The same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu put you in a good position for any respiratory illness - cover your cough, wash your hands (especially after being in public spaces, shaking hands), stay home if you are sick, and get your flu shot! Individuals and families should also monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for updated travel advisories before making plans to travel internationally. AMERICAN PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000464 Page 464 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Louisiana Business, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19. Much is unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. CDC industry guidance   Resources for airlines Resources for the ship industry Coronavirus Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people, such as with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China and some limited person-to-person transmission has been reported in countries outside China, including the United States. However, respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza, are currently widespread in many U.S. communities. The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19. To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use only the guidance described below to determine risk of COVID-19. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other features of COVID-19, and investigations are ongoing. Updates are available on CDC’s webpage at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/covid19. Recommended strategies for employers to use now  Actively encourage sick employees to stay home: o Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of Page 1 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000465 Page 465 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o  Separate sick employees: o  CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available). Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees: o o o o o  fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies. Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way. Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual. Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen. Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees. Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% to 95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene. Visit the coughing and sneezing etiquette and clean hands webpage for more information. Perform routine environmental cleaning: o o Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time. Page 2 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000466 Page 466 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls and desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use. Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps:  o o o o  Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found at on the CDC website. Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed. If outside the United States, sick employees should follow your company’s policy for obtaining medical care or contact a healthcare provider or overseas medical assistance company to assist them with finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services. However, U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability and resources to evacuate or give medicines, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas. Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor Page 3 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000467 Page 467 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:         Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Additional measures in response to currently occurring sporadic importations of COVID-19: o Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure. Planning for a possible COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The severity of illness or how many people will fall ill from COVID-19 is unknown at this time. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., employers should plan to be able to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to refine their business response plans as needed. For the general American public, such as workers in non-healthcare settings and where it is unlikely that work tasks create an increased risk of exposures to COVID-19, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. The CDC and its partners will continue to monitor national and international data on the severity of illness caused by COVID-19, will disseminate the results of these ongoing surveillance assessments and will make additional recommendations as needed. Page 4 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000468 Page 468 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Planning considerations All employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread of acute respiratory illness and lower the impact of COVID-19 in their workplace in the event of an outbreak in the US. They should identify and communicate their objectives, which may include one or more of the following: (a) reducing transmission among staff, (b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications, (c) maintaining business operations, and (d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains. Some of the key considerations when making decisions on appropriate responses are: Disease severity (i.e., number of people who are sick, hospitalization and death rates) in the community where the business is located;  Impact of disease on employees that are vulnerable and may be at higher risk for COVID-19 adverse health complications. Inform employees that some people may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.  Prepare for possible increased numbers of employee absences due to illness in employees and their family members, dismissals of early childhood programs and K-12 schools due to high levels of absenteeism or illness. o Employers should plan to monitor and respond to absenteeism at the workplace. Implement plans to continue your essential business functions in case you experience higher than usual absenteeism. o Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent. o Assess your essential functions and the reliance that others and the community have on your services or products. Be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations (e.g., identify alternative suppliers, prioritize customers, or temporarily suspend some of your operations if needed).  Employers with more than one business location are encouraged to provide local managers with the authority to take appropriate actions outlined in their business infectious disease outbreak response plan based on the condition in each locality.  Coordination with state and local health officials is strongly encouraged for all businesses so that timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses in each location where their operations reside. Since the intensity of an outbreak may differ according to geographic location, local health officials will be issuing guidance specific to their communities.  Important considerations for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan: All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. During a COVID-19 outbreak, all sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched surfaces should be performed regularly.  Employers should: Page 5 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000469 Page 469 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 o o o o Ensure the plan is flexible and involve your employees in developing and reviewing your plan. Conduct a focused discussion or exercise using your plan, to find out ahead of time whether the plan has gaps or problems that need to be corrected. Share your plan with employees and explain what human resources policies, workplace and leave flexibilities, and pay and benefits will be available to them. Share best practices with other businesses in your communities (especially those in your supply chain), chambers of commerce and associations to improve community response efforts. Recommendations for an infectious disease outbreak response plan:         Identify possible work-related exposure and health risks to your employees. OSHA has more information on how to protect workers from potential exposures to COVID-19. Review human resources policies to make sure that policies and practices are consistent with public health recommendations and are consistent with existing state and federal workplace laws (for more information on employer responsibilities, visit the Department of Labor’s and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s websites). Explore whether you can establish policies and practices, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), to increase the physical distance among employees and between employees and others if state and local health authorities recommend the use of social distancing strategies. For employees who are able to telework, supervisors should encourage employees to telework instead of coming into the workplace until symptoms are completely resolved. Ensure that you have the information technology and infrastructure needed to support multiple employees who may be able to work from home. Identify essential business functions, essential jobs or roles, and critical elements within your supply chains (e.g., raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products and logistics) required to maintain business operations. Plan for how your business will operate if there is increasing absenteeism or these supply chains are interrupted. Set up authorities, triggers and procedures for activating and terminating the company’s infectious disease outbreak response plan, altering business operations (e.g., possibly changing or closing operations in affected areas) and transferring business knowledge to key employees. Work closely with your local health officials to identify these triggers. Plan to minimize exposure between employees and also between employees and the public, if public health officials call for social distancing. Establish a process to communicate information to employees and business partners on your infectious disease outbreak response plans and latest COVID-19 information. Anticipate employee fear, anxiety, rumors and misinformation, and plan communications accordingly. In some communities, early childhood programs and K-12 schools may be dismissed, particularly if COVID-19 worsens. Determine how you will operate if absenteeism spikes from increases in sick employees, those who stay home to care for sick family members, and those who must stay home to watch their children if dismissed from school. Businesses and other employers should prepare to institute flexible workplace and leave policies for these employees. Page 6 of 7 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000470 Page 470 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 Local conditions will influence the decisions that public health officials make regarding community-level strategies; employers should take the time now to learn about plans in place in each community where they have a business. If there is evidence of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., consider canceling nonessential business travel to additional countries per travel guidance on the CDC website.   o o Travel restrictions may be enacted by other countries which may limit the ability of employees to return home if they become sick while on travel status. Consider cancelling large work-related meetings or events. Engage state and local health departments to confirm channels of communication and methods for dissemination of local outbreak information. Resources For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652    CDC guidance    COVID-19 Website What You Need to Know About COVID-19 What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19 Page 7 of 7 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000471 Page 471 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other areas, including the United States. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness.      Data suggests that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. The virus causing COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, of people who are nearby. Close contact may include: Being within approximately 6 feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. Having direct contact with body fluids (such as blood, phlegm, and respiratory droplets) from an individual with COVID-19. To protect yourself from exposure       If possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available and illicit drugs are NOT suspected to be present, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Have a trained Emergency Medical Service/ Emergency Medical Technician (EMS/EMT) assess and transport anyone you think might have COVID-19 to a healthcare facility. Ensure only trained personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) have contact with individuals who have or may have COVID-19. Learn your employer’s plan for exposure control and participate in all-hands training on the use of PPE for respiratory protection, If available. Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS. Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties. These alternative styles (i.e. coveralls) must provide protection that is at least as great as that provided by the minimum amount of PPE recommended. The minimum PPE recommended is: VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000472 Page 472 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health A single pair of disposable examination gloves, Disposable isolation gown or single-use/disposable coveralls*, Any NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e., N-95 or higher-level respirator), and Eye protection (i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that fully covers the front and sides of the face)     *If unable to wear a disposable gown or coveralls because it limits access to duty belt and gear, ensure duty belt and gear are disinfected after contact with individual. If close contact occurred during apprehension Clean and disinfect duty belt and gear prior to reuse using a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the product label. Follow standard operating procedures for the containment and disposal of used PPE. Follow standard operating procedures for containing and laundering clothes. Avoid shaking the clothes.    For law enforcement personnel performing daily routine activities, the immediate health risk is considered low. Law enforcement leadership and personnel should follow CDC’s Interim General Business Guidance. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000473 Page 473 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Louisiana Higher Education Administrator, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Please check the following CDC website periodically for updated interim guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Health officials are taking steps to prevent community spread of COVID-19 into U.S. communities. Institutions of higher education (IHE) can play an important role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments, IHE should disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission to their students, staff and faculty. IHE should prepare to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their students, staff and faculty should local health officials identify such a need. IHE should continue to collaborate, share information and review plans with local health officials to help protect their entire IHE community, including those who may be at risk for severe disease with COVID-19. IHE plans should be designed to minimize disruption to teaching and learning and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination. Who is this guidance for? This interim guidance is intended to help administrators of public and private institutions of higher education prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students, staff and faculty. IHE include a diverse set of American colleges and universities: two- or four-year; public, private nonprofit or private for-profit; and comprehensive, research-focused or special mission. IHE administrators are individuals who make policies and procedures, set educational aims and standards, and direct programming of institutions of higher education. Administrators include a range of higher education leaders and managers, such as department chairs/heads, deans, presidents and provosts. Why is this guidance being issued? Information provided should help IHE and their partners understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among students, faculty and staff. It also aims to help IHE react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching, learning and research if there is community spread of COVID-19 and address concerns related to COVID-19 associated stigma. Page 1 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000474 Page 474 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What is the role of IHE in responding to COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. Learn more about COVID-19. IHE, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of disease. IHE’s efforts will help ensure students, staff and faculty have safe and healthy environments in which to learn and work. IHE welcome students, staff, faculty and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in IHE settings, often sharing spaces, equipment and supplies. Some individuals are experiencing stigma and discrimination in the United States related to COVID-19. This includes people of Chinese and Asian descent, as well as some returning travelers and emergency responders who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important for IHE to provide accurate and timely information about COVID-19 to students, staff and faculty to minimize the potential for stigma on college and university campuses. It is also important to provide mental health support to promote resilience among those groups affected by stigma regarding COVID-19. CDC has information IHE can share to reduce COVID-19 associated fear and stigma. Guidance for IHE that do not have COVID-19 identified in their community To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for IHE to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, IHE should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks. IHE want to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities. IHE administrators nationwide can take steps now to help stop or slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19:  Review, update and implement emergency operations plans (EOPs). This should be done in collaboration with local health departments, the IHE’s university system and other relevant partners. Focus on components, or annexes, of the plans that address infectious disease outbreaks. o Ensure the plan is updated to include strategies to reduce the spread of a wide variety of infectious diseases. Effective strategies build on everyday policies and practices. o Ensure the plan emphasizes preventive actions for students and staff. Emphasize actions individuals can take including, staying home when sick, appropriately covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and washing hands often.  CDC has workplace resources including guidance posters with messages for staff about staying home when sick and how to avoid spreading germs at work. o Ensure handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Page 2 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000475 Page 475 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include health promotion materials and information on proper handwashing technique. Reference key resources while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP.  Multiple federal agencies have developed resources on school planning principles and a 6-step process for creating plans to build and continually foster safe and healthy school communities before, during and after possible emergencies. IHE may find this guidance for developing high-quality emergency operations plans helpful.  Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center’s website contains free resources, trainings and TA for schools, including IHE, and their community partners, including many tools and resources on emergency planning and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Develop information-sharing systems with partners.  Institutional information systems should be used for day-to-day reporting on information such as absenteeism or changes in student health center traffic to detect and respond to an outbreak.  Local health officials should be a key partner in information sharing.  o o  Current Guidance for students/staff who recently returned from a place where COVID-19 is spreading (03/04/2020): o Monitor current travel advisories at COVID-19 Information for Travelers. This guidance changes almost daily, so our recommendations should always be crosschecked before implementing. o Current CDC guidance states that a traveler who returns from an area with a Level 3 travel advisory (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) but is asymptomatic, should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. These individuals should not return to school or work for 14 days. They should monitor their health with twice daily temperature checks and monitor for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). If they develop fever (>101) or respiratory symptoms, they should immediately call their healthcare provider and report their recent travel. o The CDC is recommending that anyone returning from an area with a level 2 travel advisory (currently Japan) where COVID-19 is spreading locally, should monitor their health for 14 days after their return and follow guidance listed on the CDC website at: COVID-19 Information for Travelers. All returning travelers should also follow common sense practices:    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Page 3 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000476 Page 476 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)     o o o o o Stay home if you do become sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. After 14 days, all well returning travelers can return to normal activity. Monitor and plan for absenteeism.  Review attendance and sick leave policies. Students, staff and faculty should not attend class or work when sick. Allow them to stay home to care for sick household members. Make accommodations (e.g., extended due dates, electronic submission of assignments), as possible, for individuals who may be temporarily unable to attend class due to restrictions placed on them related to possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID19.  Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by crosstraining staff and faculty.  Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your institution and on your campus among students, staff and faculty. Consider identifying and implementing processes for faculty and IHE leadership to report noticeable changes in absenteeism, even if subjective, to a designated administrator.  Alert local health officials about large increases in student, staff and faculty absenteeism or substantial increases in student health center traffic due to respiratory illnesses (like the common cold or the “flu,” which have symptoms similar to symptoms of COVID-19).  Determine what level of absenteeism will disrupt continuity of teaching, learning, and research. Establish procedures for students, staff, and faculty who are sick (with any illness) on campus.  Establish procedures to ensure students, staff and faculty who become sick (with any illness) on campus or arrive on campus sick are sent to their place of residence as soon as possible.  Keep sick individuals separate from well individuals until they can leave.  Sick residents of on-campus housing in communities with no identified COVID-19 and who are not believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 should avoid contact with well individuals while sick. Ensure IHE health clinics prepare for COVID-19.  Review CDC guidance to help healthcare facilities prepare for COVID-19. Guidance includes steps to take now and strategies for preparing for community transmission of COVID-19. Perform routine environmental cleaning.  Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.  Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students, staff and faculty before each use. Create plans to communicate accurate and timely information to the IHE community. Page 4 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000477 Page 477 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Include strategies for sharing information with staff, students and faculty without increasing fear and stigma. Keeping the community informed with accurate information can counter the spread of misinformation and reduce the potential for fear and stigma.  Include strategies to communicate steps being taken by the IHE to prepare and how additional information will be shared.  Include strategies to communicate changes to usual campus schedules or functions.  Include strategies to communicate information IHE community members can use to protect themselves from infectious disease, including COVID-19. Review CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers.  Review this CDC guidance to identify any additional strategies the IHE can use, given its role as an employer.  o IHE administrators can also support their IHE community by sharing COVID-19 informational resources with students, staff and faculty. Coordinate with local health officials to determine what type of information is best to share with the IHE community. Consider sharing the following fact sheets and information sources:    Information about COVID-19 available through state and local health departments General fact sheets to help students, staff, faculty, and their families understand COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves: o What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pdf o What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) o Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 o Share facts about COVID-19 to help prevent stigma CDC information for students, staff, and faculty who have recently traveled back to the United States from areas where CDC has identified community spread of coronavirus: o A list of countries where community spread of COVID-19 is occurring can be found on the CDC webpage: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel For guidance for students, staff or faculty who plan to travel, or have recently traveled, to areas with community spread of COVID-19, refer to CDC’s FAQ for travelers and COVID-19 travel website. For specific guidance on foreign exchange and study abroad programs, see CDC’s guidance on student foreign travel for IHE. Guidance for IHE with identified cases of COVID-19 in their community If local health officials report that there are cases of COVID-19 in the community, IHE need to take additional steps in response to prevent further spread of the disease. The first step for IHE in this situation is to talk with local health officials. Determine if, when and for how long the IHE may need to suspend classes and postpone or cancel events and activities. Page 5 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000478 Page 478 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Temporarily suspending classes is a strategy to stop or slow the further spread of COVID-19 in communities. When classes are suspended, IHE may stay open for staff or faculty (unless ill) while students temporarily stop attending in-person classes. Keeping the IHE facilities open a) allows faculty to develop and deliver lessons and materials electronically, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning; and b) allows other staff members to continue to provide services and help with additional response efforts. IHE administrators should work in close collaboration with local health officials and the IHE’s university system to make class suspension and event and activity cancellation decisions. IHE are not expected to make decisions about suspending classes or canceling events on their own. IHE can seek specific guidance from local health officials to determine if, when and for how long to take these steps. Class suspension and event and activity (e.g., on-campus sporting, theater and music events) cancellation may be recommended for at least 14 days, or possibly longer if advised by local health officials. The nature of these actions (e.g., geographic scope, duration) may change as the local outbreak situation evolves. If a student, staff or faculty member attended class or was active on campus prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case:    Local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Individuals may be considered active on campus if they had attended class, work, work-study or some other type of gathering or event (e.g., student meetings, recreational activities) on campus. Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., all campuses in a university system or only select campuses) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-todate information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. IHE should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure. This communication to the IHE community should align with the communication plan in the IHE’s emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student, staff member or faculty member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. IHE administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students, staff and faculty should return to campus and what additional steps are needed for the IHE community. In addition, students, staff and faculty who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to campus. If classes are suspended, IHE can consider the following steps:   Temporarily cancel extracurricular group activities and large events. o Cancel or postpone events such as club meetings, performances, social events, athletic team practices and sporting events. Discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering or socializing anywhere. o Discourage gatherings at places like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant or a local coffee shop. Page 6 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000479 Page 479 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)  Ensure continuity of education and research. o Review continuity plans, including plans for the continuity of teaching, learning and research. Implement e-learning plans and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate. o Ensure continuity plans address how to temporarily postpone, limit or adapt research-related activities (e.g., study recruitment or participation, access to labs) in a manner that protects the safety of researchers, participants, facilities, and equipment. o Consider the following approaches:  Use of existing infrastructure and services (e.g., Blackboard, Skype, Zoom) to support efficient transition of classes from in-person to distance-based formats. This may include using strategies such as faculty check-ins, recorded class meetings or lectures, and live class meetings.  Other student support services such as online library services, print materials available online, phone- or internet-based counseling support, or study groups enabled through digital media. o IHE will need to determine, in consultation with their university system:  How to convert face-to-face lessons into online lessons and how to train faculty to do so.  How to triage technical issues if faced with limited IT support and staff  How to deal with the potential lack of students’ access to computers and the Internet at home or in temporary housing. o Ensure continuity of safe housing.  Work in close collaboration with local health officials to make all decisions related to on-campus housing.  If cases of COVID-19 have not been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, students may be allowed to remain in on-campus housing. In this situation, educate housing residents on the precautions they should take to help protect themselves when there is community spread of COVID-19. Residents should follow any more specific recommendations provided by local health officials.  If cases of COVID-19 have been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, work with local health officials to take additional precautions. Individuals with COVID-19 may need to be moved to temporary housing locations. These individuals will need to self-isolate and monitor for worsening symptoms according to the guidance of local health officials. Close contacts of the individuals with COVID-19 may also need temporary housing so that they can self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Consult with local health officials to determine when, how, and where to move ill residents. Information on providing home care to individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization is available on CDC’s website.  Residents identified with COVID-19 or identified as contacts of individuals with COVID-19 should not necessarily be sent to their permanent homes off-campus. Sending sick residents to their permanent homes could be unfeasible, pose logistical challenges or pose risk of transmission to others either on the way to the home or once there. IHEs should work with local health officials to determine appropriate housing for the period in which they need to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms or worsening symptoms. Page 7 of 9 VERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000480 Page 480 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Remember to consider all types of IHE-affiliated housing when making response plans. Distinct housing types (e.g., residence halls, apartments, fraternity and sorority houses) and situations (e.g., housing owned and run by the IHE, housing on the IHE campus but not run by the IHE) may require tailored approaches.  Ensure any staff remaining to support students in on-campus housing receive necessary training to protect themselves and residents from spread of COVID-19. Staff should also be trained on how to respond if a resident becomes ill. o Ensure continuity of meal programs.  Consult with local health officials to determine strategies for modifying food service offerings to the IHE community.  Consider ways to distribute food to students, particularly those who may remain on campus, while classes or other events and activities are dismissed.  If there is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid food distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as “graband-go” bagged lunches or meal delivery.  Consider if and how existing dining services should be scaled back or adapted. For example, an IHE may close some of or all its cafeterias/cafes to discourage students, staff and faculty from gathering in group settings.  If on-campus housing residents have been relocated to temporary alternative housing, consider how meals can be provided to these students. Work with local health officials to determine strategies for providing meals to residents with COVID-19 or who are being monitored because of contact with persons with COVID-19.  Ensure any staff remaining on campus to support food services receive necessary training to protect themselves and those they serve from spread of COVID-19. o Consider if and when to stop, scale back or modify other support services on campus.  Consider alternatives for providing students with essential medical and social services. Identify ways to ensure these services are provided while classes are dismissed or students are in temporary housing.  Identify other types of services provided to students, staff and faculty (e.g., library services, cleaning services). Consider ways to adapt these to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission while maintaining services deemed necessary.  Help counter stigma and promote resilience on campus.  Share facts about COVID-19 through trusted dissemination channels to counter the spread of misinformation and mitigate fear. o Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people. o Develop plans to support students, staff and faculty who may feel overwhelmed by COVID-19 and associated events on campus.  Ensure continuity of mental health services, such as offering remote counseling. Encourage students to call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) if they are feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression, anxiety or feeling like wanting to harm themselves or others.  Page 8 of 9 A\11 ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000481 Page 481 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health _ LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Steps Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Should Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for student foreign travel for IHE This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with students participating in foreign exchange or study abroad programs. Consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs. Given the global outbreak of COVID-19, IHE should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs. IHE should consider asking current program participants to return to their home country. Those overseeing student foreign exchange programs should be aware that students may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad. IHEs should consider asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States. IHEs should work with state and local public health officials to determine the best approach for when and how (e.g., chartered transportation for countries or areas assessed as high-risk for exposure) their study abroad students might return. All plans for returning study abroad students should be designed to protect participants from stigma and discrimination. The COVID-19 situation is dynamic. Given the speed of spread and the number of countries experiencing human-to-human transmission, IHEs should evaluate the risks associated with choosing to maintain programs abroad and take the appropriate proactive measures. IHEs that continue to maintain programs abroad should monitor cdc.gov/COVID-19 for additional information. Resources    For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cdc.gov/covid19. For more information about COVID-19 in Louisiana visit: Http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus For questions from the general public about COVID-19 call: (855)-523-2652 Page 9 of 9 A ICA PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000482 Page 482 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Christina Stephens Thu, 5 Mar 2020 14:48:59 -0600 Aly Neel;Alexander Billioux;Jimmy Guidry (LDH) Mike Steele;Casey Tingle Trigger for school closures? Hello – We have seen some news out Tennessee that they closed all of the county’s schools to decontaminate them because a man in the county has COVID-19. It doesn’t seem to be connected to the school, but some parents have been told that it is part of the plan for school there to shut down for two days to be cleaned. Someone in our office is asking if 1) this is something that we have in our plans for schools and 2) what the trigger for closing school would be. https://www.wsmv.com/news/williamson_county/williamson-county-schools-to-close-friday-mondayin-response-to/article_f0d0110e-5f01-11ea-9ad6-cf79dc9a1496.html https://www.newschannel5.com/news/williamson-county-schools-to-close-for-cleaning-after-firstconfirmed-tenn-case-of-coronavirus Thanks, Christina A\11 ~ 11(,J\ PVERSIGHT LA-DOH-20-1206-A-000483 Page 483 of 483 Louisiana Department of Health