Edwards keeping Louisiana coronavirus restrictions in place
By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday that he’ll continue Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate and the business restrictions he enacted to combat the coronavirus outbreak for at least three more weeks, despite lawsuits seeking to upend the orders.
The rules were set to expire Friday, but the Democratic governor said he will extend them through Aug. 28 as the state continues to have one of the nation’s highest per capita virus infection rates in the last two weeks. Edwards said the state has “made early fragile gains” in slowing the virus spread but couldn’t risk lifting the restrictions yet.
“By no means are we out of the woods,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, the governor’s chief public health adviser.
Billioux estimated Louisiana still has at least 50,000 active coronavirus cases where people can shed the virus to others. He said: “We are not in a position where we think we can start to peel away restrictions.”
The regulations limit restaurants to 50% capacity for in-person dining, restrict bars to takeout and delivery only and place occupancy limits on gyms, salons and other businesses deemed nonessential. Face coverings are required for anyone age 8 and older, with medical exceptions. Indoor gatherings above 50 people are banned.
Edwards’ decision to extend the Phase 2 rules comes as Louisiana’s governor joined the leaders of Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio and Virginia on Tuesday in announcing an interstate compact to buy 3 million rapid-use coronavirus tests.