BREAKING: Louisiana to stay in modified Phase 2 for 21 more days

Today, Governor John Bel Edwards announced Louisiana will stay in the modified Phase 2 of reopening for 21 more days when the current order expires tomorrow, keeping all the existing COVID-19 restrictions in place for three more weeks.

The modified Phase 2 includes:

• All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
• All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
• All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
• For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
• Retail businesses at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
• Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household. The State Fire Marshal will put out additional COVID mitigation measures to make services safer.
• Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
• Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
• All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.
• Statewide mask mandate remains in place.

The current modified Phase 2 order went into effect on November 25.

More to follow.