Governor Edwards to Address Surge in Louisiana COVID Cases Today
Thanksgiving has come and gone and all that is left are the remaining leftovers and a potential surge in a deadly virus. Governor John Bel Edwards probably won't take that last slice of pumpkin pie off your hands but he does want to talk to you and me about that deadly virus.
The Governor has scheduled a press conference for 3 pm this afternoon (Dec.2). In that press conference, Edwards is expected to address concerns over the rising amount of COVID cases in Louisiana.
Yesterday's Louisiana Department of Health update suggested that the state had confirmed just over 5,200 cases. Many of those cases should have actually been reported in November but were not because of a data backlog.
On November 25th Edwards pulled the state's coronavirus mitigation plan back from Phase 3 guidelines to a modified version of the Phase 2 guidelines. Based on the increasing number of cases it is possible that the Governor could announce even more restrictions at the press conference today.
Edwards modified Phase 2 guidelines encouraged most people to work remotely if possible. The modification also prevents many restaurants and bars from providing inside service and reduced the capacity for outdoor dining and service.
The modified guidelines also restricted attendance at outdoor sporting events. That capacity was reduced from 50% to 25% just as the high school football playoffs were set to begin.
Governor Edward's current orders will expire on December 23rd, however, he has hinted that the state will likely be under similar restrictive measures well into the New Year.
We should find out a lot more later this afternoon when the Governor addresses the media and the state. You can hear what the Governor has to say right here beginning at 3 pm.
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