Gov. Edwards Blocks Jefferson Parish's Move Into Phase 3 Of Reopening

Governor John Bel Edwards says Jefferson Parish does not meet the criteria to enter Phase 3 of the state's re-opening plan.

Edwards' office released a statement on Thursday saying Jefferson Parish is ineligible to open bars for on-premise service because it still has a high COVID-19 test positivity rate.

Officials in the parish sent a letter to the Governor asking to be allowed to re-open more businesses under Phase 3 because owners are on the verge of bankruptcy or closing for good unless they can get more customers.

Currently, only parishes with a positivity rate under 5% can re-open bars for table service.