Louisiana Gov. John Bell Edwards announced Monday that his COVID-19 Phase 2 order will not be allowed to expire Thursday, and the state will not move into Phase 3 as originally announced. The move comes on the heels of the state surpassing 50,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with more than 3,000 reported deaths. The numbers move the state into the top 15 in the nation statistically.
Edwards said he will announce new guidance later in the week, presumably Thursday, and that guidance will remain in place for 28 days. Most believe the requirements will be like those currently in place. The current guidance allows businesses to operate at 50% capacity with social distancing requirements in place.
As of Monday, Louisiana ranks seventh out of 23 states across the country experiencing increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases. Those include the neighboring states of Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
Business and faith leaders can visit OpenSafely.la.gov to receive guidance and updates from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Health. Businesses that require approval of reopening plans will be notified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office or the Louisiana Department of Health.
For a guide listing businesses that can be open at any given time, visit gov.louisiana.gov/page/can-this-business-open.
Members of the public can continue to get information from the governor’s office by visiting coronavirus.la.gov, by texting LACOVID to 67283 or by visiting ldh.la.gov/coronavirus.
People with general questions about COVID-19 in Louisiana can call 211.