Louisiana delays easing coronavirus restrictions

Louisiana has extended phase two of its economic reopening plan amid coronavirus pandemic, as the state continues to see a spike in cases and deaths.

The extension of the second phase, announced Tuesday by Gov. John Bel Edwards (D), comes as 1,691 news cases of COVID-19 were reported, bringing the total number of cases in the Bayou State during the pandemic to over 96,000. The state’s positivity rate has climbed above 15 percent.

“We are seeing a high percent of new tests coming back as positive, increased hospitalizations over the past 14 days and a high incidence rate across the state, which means Louisiana is not ready to move to Phase Three,” Edwards said. “We will continue with our current restrictions to see if we can slow the spread in Louisiana over the next two weeks. I believe in the people of Louisiana, who have already been able to flatten the curve once, and who I know can do it again. Please wear your face mask when you are in public, wash your hands frequently, stay 6 feet away from others and stay home when you are sick.”

Phase two keeps several restrictions in place, including a mask mandate, keeps bars closed and prohibits indoor gatherings larger that 50 people.

After being set to expire on Friday, phase two will now until Aug. 7, the day after many school districts in the state are supposed to return to teaching, according to The Advocate. Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has reportedly approved different plans depending on what phase of reopening the state is in.