Louisiana will remain in Phase Two of its reopening from COVID-19 for an additional 28 days, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced today.
The decision comes as many parts of the state are seeing an uptick in cases and hospitalizations.
“It is clear that COVID is alive and well in Louisiana, and as we see more people testing positive and admitted to hospitals, we simply are not ready to move to the next phase, and ease restrictions further as businesses open widely," said Gov. Edwards. "Many of you are doing the right thing and I thank you for it."
Edwards added, "It’s incredibly disappointing to hear that there are still some people who refuse to wear masks in public, which puts all of us at greater risk of becoming sick. I implore Louisianans to be good neighbors, to stay at home when they are experiencing symptoms, to avoid crowds, physically distance, and to wear a mask when not around their immediate household whether inside or outside. These are simple things we can do to protect ourselves and each other.”
Current restrictions were set to end this Friday.
State health officials say the majority of new cases are coming from community spread rather than congregate settings, like nursing homes. Also, younger people are making up more of the new cases.
The governor noted there would be more active enforcement of restrictions as Phase Two continues.