More COVID-19 cases, more restrictions for Louisiana

More than two months after Louisiana’s relatively low COVID-19 numbers gave Gov. John Bel Edwards a reason to move to Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan, the governor announced Tuesday that he is returning the state to a “revised Phase Two.”

That means lower capacities in restaurants, gyms and “nonessential” retail establishments and sports stadiums. Bars will not be allowed to serve patrons inside if more than 5 percent of COVID-19 tests in their parish are positive.

The new rules will go into effect Wednesday morning and last for 28 days to December 23. Edwards said if national experts are correct and the U.S. is entering a rough stretch of months, then the tougher restrictions will have to be renewed at Christmastime.

Though it won’t be included in his official proclamation, the governor said, he’s asking all employers — in the public and private sector — to let their employees work from home to the greatest extent possible and asking residents across the state to curtail holiday parties and big family gatherings during the holiday season. He made his remarks two days before Thanksgiving and pleaded with residents to make sure they and their loved ones will have future Thanksgivings by scaling back Thursday’s gatherings.

Read more: https://lailluminator.com/2020/11/25/more-covid-19-cases-more-restrictions-for-louisiana/