LA PHASE 3 ANNOUNCEMENT- During his scheduled press update yesterday Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced the state will enter Phase 3 as his Phase 2 Covid-19 restriction emergency order expires today. The governor’s announcement came only days after the Labor Day Weekend and just over two weeks since Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana leaving thousands without power and many forced to evacuate, some having to stay in congregant shelters such as the Mega Shelter in Alexandria, Louisiana. Edwards did express the decision to move the state into Phase 3 was not easy.
"If we hadn't just started K-12 schools,open our higher-ed campuses, had Labor Day, and a hurricane, it would've been the easiest decision probably," Edwards explained.
Edwards was alluding to the spike in Covid-19 cases that occurred across the sunbelt in the weeks following Memorial Day as social distancing and other mitigation measures were ignored at large gatherings on beaches and other public areas. As to what the specifics will be for Phase 3, Edwards said he would offer more details at a press conference to take place this afternoon. As for the Mask Mandate, Edwards did say:
"The mask mandate's going to stay in place," Edwards declared. "If we want to be successful in increasing occupency levels in businesses, in at churches and those sorts of things, we can do that safely but you still have to wear a mask."
The governor’s Phase 2 order has been in place since July 13, it has been extended 3 times. Phase 3 reopening will allow many businesses to increase their occupancy levels. Governor Edwards said he will give more specifics at his press conference scheduled for 2pm this afternoon.
