Parish Updates

COMPLIMENTS AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SHERIFF RANDY SEAL   

  As we continue to battle the unseen enemy known as Coronavirus, or  simply COVID-19, I want to both compliment and encourage all the  citizens of our wonderful parish.   

  I compliment you for complying with the safety recommendations from  our national, state and local leaders.  Being quarantined in our own  homes is neither pleasant nor convenient.  Social distancing, a new term  for all, is neither pleasant nor convenient.  Not being able to shop as  usual is neither pleasant nor convenient.  I could go on and on with an  almost endless list of unpleasant and inconvenient things which we are  all enduring to protect not only ourselves and our families, but also  our neighbors.     

  There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, and as each day  passes we realize our current situation is temporary.  The infection  curve continues to flatten and I will join with you in welcoming the day  when everything opens back up and we can resume activities as usual.   Meanwhile, I encourage you to support our parish restaurants which are  struggling and don’t forget to tip for takeout just as you would for  dining in. 

  In the same spirit of community, remember to check in on your  neighbors, especially the elderly in our parish.  Deliver food, mow  lawns, do chores.  Do whatever is necessary to help and, above all,  remember to pray for all.   

  I believe you are doing all of these things, and even more.  I compliment you for being good citizens.   

  I encourage you also.  I encourage you face these days of fear and  testing with optimism, never giving in to the pressures of our time.  I  encourage you not to fear about your health, finances or safety, but to  be creative, smart, resourceful, kind and caring.  Government acting  alone cannot solve this crisis.  All of us acting together can help  bring about the hope we all desire.   

  I am thankful for each of you.  I am thankful for the privilege of  living in such a wonderful country, state and parish.  I am thankful for  the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff.   

  Randy “Country” Seal   

  Sheriff   

“As of 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 19, the Louisiana Department of Health  is reporting 347 cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana, of which two cases were identified as being Washington Parish residents. There have been eight confirmed deaths and a total of 805 tests completed.

As your parish president, I urge all citizens of Washington Parish to heed  the guidelines given by the Centers for Disease Control, the Louisiana  Department of Health and the executive orders issued by Gov. John Bel  Edwards, especially social distancing. I am adjusting my workforce and  encouraging sick employees to stay home and working with those employees  that don’t have proper childcare due to school closures. Additionally, I am limiting access to the general public, in order to protect my  employees and limiting face-to-face contact within parish government.

Please  continue to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, cover your cough, stay away from sick people and more importantly stay home if you are sick. I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to take actions to reduce the risk of getting sick, by practicing social  distancing and unnecessary travel.”

-Parish President Richard "Ned" Thomas