Yet the number of covert 19 cases for the rest of Louisiana are accelerating.

The virus has now been detected in 60 of the 64 parishes.

And here to discuss this is Louisiana's lieutenant governor, Billy Nungesser.

Welcome, Lieutenant governor.

And could we start off by just talking about this rise in cases across the state of Louisiana?

Where are you right now?

Well, we've seen our largest increase in the last 24 hours of those numbers are staggering and there's looks like there's no end in sight.

And these numbers continue.

We will be maxed out hospitals and ventilators by the end of the weekend.

And so it's a critical situation, and we're still having people not even warrants.

Yeah, no, I mean, I was gonna ask you about social distancing.

How do you feel Like your state has complied with that?

Well, you know, for the most part, most of the people are, but the people that are not I understand.

The pastor that was arrested held church again last night defined the governor's orders which is just unthinkable and irresponsible, will work in a crisis situation here in Louisiana.

You know, the death count went up tremendously to 239 from 1 85 in a 24 hour period.

This is serious, and everyone needs to take it very serious.

And you mentioned your fear about running out of life saving devices like ventilators are.

Where are you and other supplies and what are you doing in terms of getting that support that you so badly need?

Well, the governor's team is working on getting them from anywhere we can.

He did receive a call from the vice president that they're sending 152 Louisiana.

We need many more than that, and hopefully we'll be able to slow the spread on, keep up with it.

But it is a critical situation.

And like I said, if things continue in the pack they're on now, we will be maxing out our capability caring for people here by the end of the weekend.

Now I know that 2020 is hindsight, as they say, but you know that people have been very critical of the fact that Mardi Gras was not canceled earlier.

And that may be a big contributing factor to the spread we're seeing there in your state.

What are your thoughts about that?

It absolutely was.

You know, I'm sure it was here.

I'm sure a lot of people that came in from all over the world and I take his much responsibility as any elected official.

But remember, during Mardi Gras there were only 15 cases in the United States.

And hindsight is always good to look back.

But But it was hard Thio.

Imagine canceling that event.

We didn't know how serious how quick this thing was escalate and how bad it so quickly.

And now we do know.

And so what is your message to the people of your state, Lieutenant Governor?

Well, it is.

Please stay home.

You know, having a crawfish Paul with 20 people in your backyard is not staying at home.

Don't invite friends and people over.

We need to isolate, Stay home and with just your family.

And if you've got to go out, make sure you wash your hands.

Keep that distance.

If everyone doesn't participate, we're not gonna see this thing over anytime soon.

And as many States and Louisiana.

It's getting worse by the day.

We know you have such a busy and crucial job, certainly in the weeks and months ahead.

So thank you for your time with us today, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Thanks so much for being with us today.

Thank you.

Hi, everyone.

George Stephanopoulos Here.

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