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MANDEVILLE, La. (WGNO) — On Wednesday afternoon, St. Tammany Parish officials held a press conference to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper, Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston, St. Tammany Public School System Superintendent Frank Jabbia, and representatives from local hospitals attended.

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper updated the community on COVID-19, especially the Delta variant and the sharp uptick in cases.

He encouraged vaccinations.

On Wednesday, LDH reported an 11.9% positivity rate in St. Tammany from July 8-14, 2021. The state also confirmed 201 new cases of COVID-19 in St. Tammany Wednesday, which is the largest amount in a single day since January 2021. St. Tammany has a 42% vaccination rate.

“The vaccine misinformation circulating online is dangerous and alarming,” said St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston. “I urge people to listen to their own healthcare providers and medical professionals and to get vaccinated immediately.”

President Cooper reiterated that the Parish is not currently under a mask mandate, business restriction, or other COVID-19 related limitations. However, there is a possibility that restrictions could return if the health of the community continues to decline.