COVID-19 SURGES - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced Saturday a statewide mask mandate, putting tougher limits on group gatherings and shuttering bars. Beginning Monday, the governor's proclamation requires face coverings for everyone ages 8 and older except for anyone who has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering.
The reasons given for the changes include the rising rates of Covid-19 infections and hospitalization. Currently there are more than 78,000 total cases reported in Louisiana and 1,243 hospitalizations and 3,308 deaths. The tightened requirements will take effect Today. Edwards, a Democrat , joined neighboring Republican governors in Texas and Mississippi who have recently enacted public mask mandates in their states. He says these measures are meant to keep the economy going as well as help schools.
"If you want to open schools next month and higher education next month these really are in the grand scheme of things minor prices to pay," Edwards said."
The mandate is aimed at trying to curb a sharp rise in infections of the COVID-19 disease and hospitalizations. Edward’s said masks will be required when entering establishments statewide. The governor's new order will also limit gatherings to 50 people indoors and require social distancing for gatherings outdoors, though churches are exempt. Edwards said while although wearing a mask may be inconvenient, it shouldn’t be considered a political issue.
"There's been a politcal dynamic that has kind of emerged around the whole issue of masks; that just doesn't make any sense to me." Edwards explained. "And I think if you will pay attention even to the national scene, you have started to see and are going to continue to see people of both parties who are going to be stressing the absolute importance of wearing a mask."
Edwards also announced that Vice President Mike Pence who heads the White House Coronavirus Task force will be visiting Baton Rouge on Tuesday.
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