Gov. Edwards: Louisiana To Remain In Modified Phase 2 Until Mid-February

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Tuesday (January 12) that the state would remain in its current Phase 2 COVID-19 restrictions until at least February 10. The order, which has been in place since November, was set to expire Wednesday.

Nearly 4,700 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Tuesday. According to WAFB, Gov. Edwards' last public address on January 6 was the same day Louisiana recorded its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases with 6,882. The state will remain in its current phase despite the increasing cases, Edwards said, because he believes it will work if people follow the restrictions.

"The real growth, here lately, are informal social gatherings," said Edwards.

The increasing numbers and hospitalizations are likely a result of gatherings over the holidays. As usual, Edwards encourages Louisianans to continue wearing masks and avoid large gatherings to help slow the spread of the virus, especially as vaccines become more available to residents across the state.

Steps are also being taken at the local level to combat the rising numbers. Last week, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the city was moving back to a modified Phase 1, which went into effect on January 8. The new guidelines reduce indoor capacity limits for restaurants, retail, and other stores to 25% and restricts gatherings to a single household.

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