LA COVID-19 ON THE RISE - Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana's employers to keep workers at home if possible. But the Democratic governor Tuesday stopped short of tightening his current restrictions on businesses any further. Edwards says he renewed the same coronavirus rules he’s had in place since late November because Covid-19 positivity test rates are up in every parish in the state.
"Without exception, every region in the state has a positivity that exceeds 10%, an increase in cases, an increase in hospitalizations, " Edwards explained.
"Without exception, every region in the state has a positivity that exceeds 10%, an increase in cases, an increase in hospitalizations." Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana
Health experts say a positivity test rate of 5% or lower is preferred. The modified Phase 2 mitigation measures were slated to expire Wednesday but will remain in effect for another 28 days. Those rules include a statewide mask mandate and provisions keeping bars limited to outdoor and delivery service. Also it restricts number of customers allowed in nonessential businesses such as restaurants and salons. Meanwhile, Louisiana’s pace of vaccinations appeared to be improving. The health department says nearly 160,000 doses have been administered and Edwards said that state has increased more vaccine sites.
"As of this week, the vaccine is being administered in every parish in the state, all 64 of them,"Edwards said. "We have more than doubled the number of sites that individuals can access."
Edwards said those who are eligible to receive a vaccine based on current guidelines need to make an appointment as vaccines will be administered at clinics and pharmacies based on current supply levels. To learn more go to Louisiana Department of Health’s website:LDH.LA.Gov/ Vaccines.
