Louisiana is moving to Phase 3. Again.
With COVID-19 infection rates heading in the right direction statewide, and a third vaccine getting federal approval this week, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said he will sign an order loosening restrictions and again moving the state to Phase 3 of its reopening plan effective Wednesday (March 3).
It’s the second time the state has been in Phase 3. The first time resulted in restrictions being re-tightened amid November’s pre-Thanksgiving surge in infections.
Among other things, the move will allow bars to reopen for on-premises consumption of alcohol; allow the holding of live, indoor music performances; and increase capacity of most businesses to 75 percent.
The state’s mask mandate will remain in effect in all cases.
The looser restrictions will last for at least 28 days, at which time they will be re-evaluated.
While the news reflects a welcome reduction in COVID infection numbers, St. Tammany Health System infectious disease expert Dr. Mike Hill said it is crucial for residents to continue exercising caution.
“I think everybody has to be encouraged by the way infection rates are trending here in St. Tammany Parish and across the state,” Dr. Hill said, “but it’s important to remember we’re not out of the woods yet. If we want to avoid another surge, we all have to remain vigilant and take care of one another. That means continuing to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene, wearing that mask, and getting your vaccine when it’s your turn.”
On Tuesday morning (March 2), St. Tammany Health System had 15 inpatients under COVID care. That’s the lowest number at the Covington hospital since November. The highest COVID patient count was 66, on Jan. 15.
Among the specific provisions of Gov. Edwards’ Phase 3 order:
- The majority of businesses, including restaurants and salons, will be able to move to 75 percent of their capacity.
- Indoor gatherings and event centers will be capped at 50 percent of their capacity but limited to 250 people.
- Religious services will no longer have capacity limits, although social distancing is strongly encouraged and masking will still be required.
- Gyms and fitness centers will remain at 50 percent of their capacity.
- Bars in all parishes will be able to open for indoor service at 25 percent capacity, not to exceed 250 people, but those in parishes where the percent positivity is 5 percent or lower for two consecutive weeks may have indoor service at 50 percent capacity, not to exceed 250 people. Alcohol sales still must end at 11 p.m. and no one younger than 21 years old can enter a bar.
- Patrons must be masked at all times except when consuming food or drink, and they must be served at socially distanced tables.
- Live music will be allowed indoors under additional guidance provided by the State Fire Marshal.
- Indoor gatherings may operate at 50 percent capacity with a cap of 250 people.
- Outdoor events may operate at 50 percent of their capacity, with no cap on attendance, but six feet of social distancing must be practiced.
- Conventions, conferences, indoor sporting events and fairs and festivals may operate at up to 50 percent capacity with six feet of social distancing required, if they receive approval from the State Fire Marshal and the Louisiana Department of Health.
Read the governor’s full order at Gov.Louisiana.Gov.
Find more information on COVID-19 in St. Tammany Parish at StTammany.health/COVID19.