Louisiana sees over 1,200 new coronavirus cases in one day

Louisiana suffered its worst day yet in the state’s coronavirus outbreak Tuesday, with more than 50 deaths and 1,200 new cases, according to health officials.

The newly diagnosed 2,212 cases brought the state’s tally to 5,237 cases, representing a 30% increase in 24 hours, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Within the same period, 54 died from the virus, pushing its death toll to 239 and marking its deadliest day since the Pelican State’s first case was found on March 9.

Health officials have now detected the dangerous bug in 60 out of the state’s 64 parishes, which are similar to counties.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said Monday that he will extend the state’s stay-at-home order through the end of April, which is in line with the White House’s most recent guidance.

The state ranks among the 10 hardest-hit in the country as the virus spreads to more than 177,000 Americans, according to John Hopkins University.

New York, the worst hit state, has more than 75,000 cases and 1,550 deaths. The Empire State is home to more than 19 million residents, while Louisiana has around 4.6 million people.

With Post wires