Governor extends Phase 2 coronavirus restrictions

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

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Governor extends Phase 2 coronavirus restrictions

Mike Scott, mscott@stph.org

With the post-Thanksgiving surge in COVID infections continuing to strain on the state’s hospitals, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on Tuesday extended the state’s Phase 2 coronavirus restrictions until at least Jan. 13. He also strongly urged people to limit their Christmas celebrations this year to members of their immediate household in order to avoid another surge. (Screengrab)

 

COVINGTON, Louisiana -- With coronavirus infections still raging statewide, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday (Dec. 22) that Louisiana will remain under Phase 2 of its COVID-19 restrictions for at least another three weeks, until Jan. 13.

The decision will maintain 50% occupancy limits for most businesses. Additionally, bars can open to indoor service at 25% capacity but only if their parish has seen two straight weeks of 5% or less positivity.

While the positivity rate has dropped statewide as of late, suggesting a potential plateauing of cases, a post-Thanksgiving surge in cases has many hospitals still at or near capacity. On Tuesday morning, St. Tammany Health System had 48 inpatients under COVID care at its Covington hospital, the highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic in mid-March.

“While we have seen minor improvements, no one should feel good about our current COVID situation in Louisiana,” Edwards said. “We have too many new cases, too many people in the hospital and, sadly, too many Louisianans continue to die of this illness.”

Echoing infectious disease experts, including those at STHS, Edwards urged Louisianans to keep their holiday gatherings small to avoid a similar post-Christmas surge that could keep put a further strain on the state’s hospitals – and keep Phase 2 restrictions in place well into the new year.

This year has been tragic and sad, and we finally have the hope of better therapeutics and a vaccine, which means the end of the pandemic is in our sights. Now is not the time to let down our guard simply because it is Christmas or New Year’s Eve.”

- Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards

 

“I cannot stress this enough: The holidays this year simply cannot look the same as they have in previous years,” he said. “Having holiday parties where people from various households gather together, especially indoors, is dangerous and could lead to the spread of COVID and the loss of family members and friends.

“This year has been tragic and sad, and we finally have the hope of better therapeutics and a vaccine, which means the end of the pandemic is in our sights. Now is not the time to let down our guard simply because it is Christmas or New Year’s Eve.”

In addition to the continuation of Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate, the state’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

 

  • All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
  • All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
  • All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
  • In parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
  • Retail businesses may open at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
  • Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
  • Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household, whichever is less.
  • Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
  • Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
  • Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
  • Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
  • All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.

 

For additional guidance on the new Phase 2, visit the Governor’s office website at gov.louisiana.gov. Also, visit StTammany.Health.COVID19 for daily updates of COVID counts at St. Tammany Health System.

 

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