Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says the state will ease various restrictions on public gatherings aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 — but he's withholding details for a day. Edwards said Thursday that Louisiana will move to “Phase Three” of restrictions after current restrictions expire Friday. Edwards wouldn't answer questions about the restrictions — except to say a statewide mask mandate will remain in effect.
Louisiana’s health department reported 499 new confirmed cases Thursday, bringing the state’s total during the pandemic to 155,419, with more than 140,000 recovered. Deaths related to the disease rose by 21 to 4,991. Hospitalizations dropped to 762.