Gov. John Bel Edwards said Tuesday Louisiana will remain in Phase Two of the reopening process from COVID-19 for an additional two weeks as the state continues to see a spike in cases, hospitalizations and deaths from the coronavirus.
“We are seeing a high percent of new tests coming back as positive, increased hospitalizations over the past 14 days and a high incidence rate across the state, which means Louisiana is not ready to move to Phase Three,” Gov. Edwards said. “We will continue with our current restrictions to see if we can slow the spread in Louisiana over the next two weeks."
The order will also extend a statewide mask mandate, a limit on gatherings to no more than 50 people and a prohibition of on-site consumption of alcohol that has led many bar owners to shut their doors once again.
"I believe in the people of Louisiana, who have already been able to flatten the curve once, and who I know can do it again. Please wear your face mask when you are in public, wash your hands frequently, stay 6 feet away from others and stay home when you are sick," said Edwards.