TOP N ON - C OV I D - 1 9 N EWS I N 2 0 2 0
The healthcare industry has been through a lot this year as hospital systems, not just locally, but globally, struggled through a wide variety of pandemic-related issues, including securing PPE, treatment supplies like ventilators, and testing equipment, as well as setting up and operating widespread testing locations. As the pandemic continued to spread, healthcare facilities quickly found they had another problem: with calls for social distancing, people were understandably unsure about receiving in-person care for non-life-threatening issues. The answer came through a rapid increase in telemedicine. During the first few weeks of the pandemic, the Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance issued several emergency orders, which included loosening restrictions on telemedicine services. On May 21, BizNewOrleans.com reported that neurologist David J. Houghton, medical director of Ochsner Health’s digital medicine program, said Ochsner had gone from conducting fewer than 4,000 home-based virtual visits in 2019 to handling almost that many every day. Houghton said he expected many patients to continue using the service despite stay-at-home rules loosening up, and he is not alone. SOC Telemed, the largest national provider of telemedicine technology and solutions to healthcare providers, reported in October that New Orleans East Hospital was among its new clients and added that bookings had increased 88% to 105% compared to 2019. While telemedicine has its limits, it has worked well in some areas, including behavioral health, and just as some companies have discovered the benefits of allowing remote work, healthcare practitioners and patients are recognizing the benefits of telemedicine. In June, ModernHealthcare.com anticipated that telehealth spending will reach $250 billion by the end of 2020. Where it goes from there remains to be seen.
10
Unemployment Fund Struggles
In March, Louisiana’ unemployment trust fund topped $1 billion. By October, thanks to hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs during the pandemic, the fund was down to $100,000. The fund’s rapid depletion caused panic among legislators and businesses this year as current law calls for the fund to be replenished by businesses paying higher taxes — including a surtax of up to 30% on taxable payroll — and for jobless workers to help fill in the gap by taking a hit on benefits. Already paying the third-lowest jobless benefits in the nation at $247 per week, Louisiana’s benefits would have been dropped to the lowest possible, $221. In an effort to avoid further hardship on businesses and individuals already struggling, on Oct. 20 the House passed a package of measures that ensures unemployment benefits and tax rates on businesses that pay into the fund will remain stable through 2021. The effort is a short-term fix designed to buy time while legislators remain hopeful that Congress will eventually pass aid to states. In the meantime, Louisiana will pay its unemployment by taking out federal loans that the state will be required to start paying back with interest starting September 2021. n
NO SHORTAGE OF GIVERS
New Orleanians showed up to support their own
With an economy that heavily relies on hospitality, live music and small business and gig workers, New Orleans has been hit extremely hard during the pandemic. As Mr. Rogers once advised, however, in tough times, look for the helpers. Fortunately, there has been no shortage of those. For example, Give NOLA Day this year broke records by collecting over $7.1 million for local nonprofits– over $1.2 million over 2019. The following are just a few of the new efforts we have seen this year. Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund – Created by the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, this fund has generated more than $2.4 million to provide emergency support to hospitality workers. New Orleans Business Alliance Gig Economy Relief Fund – as of June, this fund had raised $890,000 to provide grants to over 1,000 gig workers. Lagniappe Krewe Emergency Relief Fund by Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group–provides one-time, $500 grants to hospitality employees and their families. The Emergency Capital Access Program (ECAP) — The Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund, collaborated with the Urban League of Louisiana to provide micro-grants to Black business owners negatively affected by COVID-19. by providing small grants, combined with technical assistance and advisory services, to Black business owners across the Greater New Orleans area. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Hospitality Industry Relief Fund —replacing this year’s annual Boudin, Bourbon & Beer event, the fund was established with a contribution of $125,000 by the foundation.
DECEMBER 2020
Healthcare Industry Embraces Telemedicine
LCMC PURCHASES EAST JEFF – In August, East Bank voters approved the sale of East Jefferson General Hospital to LCMC Health for $90 million with the promise to invest another $100 million in the hospital over the next five years.
BIZ NEW ORLEANS
09
DIXIE BEER OPENS, THEN CHANGES NAME – On Jan. 25, Dixie Beer Brewery officially opened in New Orleans East. First opened in 1907, its revival became a goal of the late Tom Benson, and then of his widow, Gayle Benson. During the racial justice movement this year, Gayle Benson decided to “retire” the name, and in November the brewery’s new name was announced: Faubourg Brewing Co.
43