Louisiana Mask Mandate Mostly Lifted

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Louisiana's statewide mask mandate would be mostly lifted, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday, adding a mandate would still be in place for K-12 schools.

“Today, I am cautiously optimistic and very relieved that the worst of this fourth surge of COVID is clearly behind us, which is a direct result of the people of Louisiana who stepped up to the plate when we needed them to and put their masks back on, got vaccinated, and took extra precautions to stay safe. That’s why we are able to lift the statewide mask mandate,” said Edwards. “While the K-12 mask mandate will be in place, school districts can opt out if they follow the existing, evidence-based CDC quarantine guidance. This new order does offer a way for local leaders to end the school mask mandate, if they so choose.

Masks will also still be required on mass transit and at health care facilities due to federal guidelines. Also, local governments and private businesses can still choose to require masks.

LSU has announced that current COVID-19 protocols, including the wearing of masks indoors, will remain in effect until the end of the semester.

"We are pleased with the results we’ve seen this semester with vaccinations, wastewater testing and other protocols and feel it’s best to finish out the semester with those in place," said Ernie Ballard, LSU media relations director.

Edwards encouraged residents to get vaccinated if they had not yet done so, and to consider getting a booster shot if eligible.


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