Louisiana To Remain In Modified Phase 2 For Another 3 Weeks

As COVID-19 numbers continue to fall across the state, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday (February 9) that he was extending the Modified Phase 2 reopening for another three weeks. The order, which was has been in place since November and was previously extended in January, was set to expire Wednesday.

When Edwards extended the order last month, he said informal social gatherings were part of the cause of increasing coronavirus cases. Rather than institute more restrictions, he ordered Phase 2 to remain in place and urged Louisianans to follow the guidelines that were in place.

According to state leaders, every area of the state has high levels of the virus, with each parish registering over a 10% positivity rate. They are also concerned about the new coronavirus variants and potential superspreader events from Mardi Gras. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell recently announced that all bars in the city, both indoors and outdoors, will be closed throughout the weekend to help prevent a possible surge in new cases.

Louisiana has seen a reduction in COVID-19 cases lately, but even though the decreasing numbers are a good sign, state leaders don't believe now is the time to ease restrictions. According to WDSU, officials are concerned about a possible surge with new virus variants being detected across the state, such as the strain first identified in the UK.

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