BREAKING: Louisiana Moving Back To 'Modified' Phase 2

After a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday that Louisiana would be moving back to a modified Phase 2. The restrictions will go into place on Wednesday, November 23, and be in effect until at least December 23.

In addition to the mask mandate and social distancing requirements, there will be new capacity restrictions in multiple industries. Restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, casinos, gym and fitness centers, and non-essential retail establishments will be limited to 50% capacity. Churches and houses of worship will have a 75% capacity, and sporting events will be limited to 25%.

Indoor gatherings will be limited to a 25% capacity with no more than 75 people. Similarly, outdoor gatherings will have a 25% capacity but no more than 150 people.

A change to the original Phase 2 involves the capacity for bars, which is still at 25%. They will be allowed to open indoors in parishes with a 5% positivity rater or lower. Bars in parishes with a positivity rate over 5% will be allowed to serve outdoors.

Edwards' hope is that these measures will prevent the state's hospitals from becoming overwhelmed as well as help flatten the curve for the rising cases across Louisiana.

"If there was ever a time to step up and be a good neighbor ... that time is now," said Edwards.

Watch Gov. Edward's press conference at 4WWL.

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