The coronavirus has been exploding across the South. In a dozen Southern states, there have been nearly 65,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,700 deaths.

The death rate from the virus in Louisiana is the second-highest in the U.S. Many victims there had underlying conditions. The most common factor is high blood pressure.

Governor John Bel Edwards reported 70 new deaths Tuesday and said they're still bracing for the worst.

There's an alarming disparity in the state: more than 70% of the coronavirus deaths are African Americans, who comprise only 32% of the population.