The number of COVID-19 deaths rise in three northwest Louisiana parishes

The number of deaths due to COVID-19 rose in three northwest Louisiana parishes on Thursday, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Caddo, Lincoln and Webster parishes all showed increases in deaths because of the virus.

Caddo Parish had three more COVID-19 deaths raising the parish's total to 289.

There were 50 new cases on Thursday in Caddo to give the parish 6,566. The 50 new cases resulted from 1,099 tests for a 4.5% positive test rate. Medical experts indicate a desire to be at 5% or lower.

Hospital bed capacity in Caddo Parish is at 71% with ICU bed capacity at 78%.

Webster Parish added a COVID-19 death on Thursday. The parish has 14 deaths because of the virus. Six new cases in Webster Parish gave it a total of 861.

Lincoln Parish reported the most COVID-19 deaths with four. The parish has had 28 deaths related to the virus. Ten new cases raised the parish's total to 754.

Bossier Parish had 20 new cases to give it 2,295 cases. The 20 new cases came on 556 tests for a 3.6% positive test rate. There have been 75 COVID-19-related deaths in the parish.

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DeSoto Parish had nine new cases to bring its total to 705. There have been 26 COVID-19 deaths in the parish.

Sabine Parish had six new cases to bring its total to 611. There have been 10 COVID-19 deaths in the parish.

Natchitoches Parish had 10 new cases, raising its total to 747. There have been 17 deaths because of COVID-19 in the parish.

Red River Parish had two new cases. The parish has 211 cases with 11 deaths because of the virus.

Bienville Parish had three new cases to bring its total to 362. There have been 30 COVID-19-related deaths in the parish.

Claiborne Parish had four new cases, raising its total to 241. There have been 11 deaths because of COVID-19 in the parish.