Vaccinated and unvaccinated people in Louisiana are being urged to cover their faces again.
Gov. John Bel Edwards told reporters Friday that people should wear masks indoors if they can not stay six feet apart, as the state is in the middle of a fourth COVID surge mostly due to the delta variant.
Edwards said the state has the highest growth rate of new cases per capita nationwide, increasing 208% over 14 days.
Businesses are also asked to protect employees and customers from potential exposures.
Edwards added that getting tested for the coronavirus is still important.
"Test immediately after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19. If positive, you should isolate immediately, if negative, you should re-test again in five to seven days after the exposure," said Edwards.
The Governor also acknowledged his new suggestions go beyond what the CDC recommends for a reason.
"That guidance doesn't currently take into account the rate of surge that we're seeing in our state, and therefore I have elected to take action on the guidance that has been provided to me here in Louisiana by the recommendations of our Office of Public Health," Edwards said.
Edwards also noted the disparity between the unvaccinated and vaccinated is not good and people need to get the shot.
"It is free, will not cost you anything out of your pocket, and it just might save your life," Edwards urged.
City of New Orleans officials also this week recommended anyone indoors and unable to social distance to wear a mask.
The Louisiana Department of Health reported over 3,000 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, along with 11 deaths. The number of patients hospitalized has increased to 1,008 with 82 on ventilators.
"We've added 16,898 positive cases of COVID, and we know that more than 80% are the delta variant," Edwards said. "That is what's causing this surge."