If you know of a noteworthy story we are missing, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org. b) Waiting areas shall be closed. which caused concern among teachers and parents. Reg. Since then, the state has seen three surges, reported more than 400,000 cases and nearly 10,000 deaths. Mokdad said that XBB.1.16 is gaining ground on the previously dominant strain in the U.S., called XBB.1.5. John Bel Edward's issued a stay-at-home order for all non-essential workers on March 23, 2020. (WAFB) - Louisiana will move into a modified version of Phase 3 of reopening the economy beginning Wednesday, March 3, Gov. Stay up to date with all things NOLA. f) Any businesses operating pursuant to this Paragraph shall follow the applicable guidance from the State Fire Marshal published at opensafely.la.gov, the Commissioner of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and the Louisiana Department of Health with regard to sanitization and disinfection. Gov. State education officials envision school bus capacity rising from 50% to 75%, which has been a major issue in how many students return to classrooms. BATON ROUGE, La. Both require two shots spaced apart for full primary vaccination, except for Pfizer recipients ages 6 months to 4 years, who are given three separate doses. Phase 2 Guidance for Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, Etc. On August 2, Edwards announced Louisiana would reinstate the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals through at least September 1. c) Any business operating pursuant to this Paragraph shall follow the applicable guidance from the State Fire Marshal published at opensafely.la.gov and the Louisiana Department of Health with regard to sanitization and disinfection. 2023 Neworleans.com All Rights Reserved. The announcement is expected to mean looser restrictions for restaurants, retail stores, schools, churches, gyms and possibly bars, and a morale boost for residents after six months of turmoil. The last time Governor Edwards decided to put Louisiana in Phase 3 was back in September of 2020. TIMELINE: A look back at a year of the coronavirus in Louisiana - WDSU Answers given at state capitol. But, weve found that most large modern day buildings have the right type of air conditioner systems and the right type of floor space, that they can make it work, said Browning. How quickly schools and districts make the transition is up to individual school systems. Carmen Demolle, 93, of New Orleans, was one of the first patients in the most vulnerable age group to be released from the hospital. shall be allowed to continue operations, subject to the following conditions: A) Every individual in Louisiana shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial establishment or any other building or space open to the public, whether indoor or outdoor. John . Alcohol sales for on-premises consumption at all venues will end at 10 p.m., included at restaurants, event centers, casinos, and bars.. They appear exactly as they appeared in the newsletter. Louisiana moved back to a modified Phase 2 . BATON ROUGE, La. The order exempted children under the age of eight, as well as individuals with medical conditions preventing them from wearing face coverings. "That is how we can strike the right balance between public health and having our economy opened on the other.". Members of the public should be required to wait outside, while maintaining social distancing, or in vehicles. He received his first dose of the vaccine on Feb. 9. Understanding Phase 2 reopening: when it might happen in Louisiana The petition, signed by 65 of the 73 House Republicans, was initiated under a state law allowing a majority of legislators in either chamber of the state legislature to sign a petition to unilaterally revoke an emergency declaration. Gov. Edwards moves Louisiana into Phase III - WGNO All rights reserved. By January, Louisiana saw its deadliest wave of COVID-19. One of the first mass vaccination events in the state was held at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Since the beginning of the COVID-19pandemic in 2020, New Orleans & Company has promoted the highest safety protocols and strongly encouraged visitors to follow guidelines for masking, social distancing, and vaccines for the safety of all who choose New Orleans as a city to live, work, and visit. John Bel Edwards' administration on reasons behind economic and other restric. By Labor Day, nearly all Southeast Louisiana schools were back in session with some type of in-person learning. Bars in all parishes of the state can operate at 25% capacity and at 50% capacity in parishes with coronavirus positivity rates below 5%. Louisiana was in its deadliest surge of cases, and hospitals were overwhelmed. To read about other states responses and recoveries, click one of the links below: To view previous coverage areas, including changes to 2020 election dates and policies, initial stay-at-home orders, coronavirus-related legislation, and much more, click a state in the map below. The Quarantine and Isolation Intake Call Center is open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm: 833-596-1009. Reacting to the decision, Gov. In his order, Feldman, an appointee of Ronald Reagan (R), wrote, "Between democratically accountable state officials and a federal court, who decides what measures best protect Louisianans during a global pandemic? Many 'are nowhere close'. Gov. maternal health care, The first step is admitting that a problem exists: Alaskas leaders agree on states fiscal condition. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Louisiana will move to Phase 3 beginning March 3; mask mandate to remain in effect, Black mans decapitated remains found after he warned his mom he was targeted by truckloads of white guys, 60 Minutes feature focuses on La. Casinos will stay at 50% capacity and 75% gaming positions. It is not some announcement that COVID-19 is no longer in Louisiana.". c) All bars shall be closed by II p.m. c) Any event held pursuant to this Paragraph shall follow the applicable guidance from the State Fire Marshal published at opensafely.la.gov and the Louisiana Department of Health with regard to social distancing, sanitization, and disinfection. c) Mall food courts may open in line with the restaurant guidance contained in Paragraph (I) of this Subsection and the restaurant guidance published at opensafely.1a.gov. A total of 21 residents died from the virus, or 4,991 in all. New Orleans, for example, maintains tougher restrictions.Republican lawmakers say the statewide rules are too strict eight months after Louisiana saw its first outbreak of the COVID-19 disease . Religious services. Please enter a valid email and try again. The mask mandate will stay in place,' he said. How long the state will be in the new phase is unclear, and what data was used to justify it is also expected to be detailed. It also includes details on three specific types of state responses to the pandemic: The following section provides a timeline of Louisiana's reopening activity beginning in April 2020. c) Any business operating pursuant to this Paragraph shall follow the applicable guidance from the State Fire Marshal published at opensafely.la.gov and the Louisiana Department of Health with regard to sanitization and disinfection. The current monitoring period began when all regions of the state moved into Phase 4. How and Where to Get COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters in Louisiana PDF A Bridge to Phase 5 - Illinois Louisiana's percent positivity for COVID-19 tests is 5%. Because of the success of these efforts, Louisiana is now ready to move forward with opening businesses in a safe, phased-in approach. Isolation and Quarantine Housing is available for patients who have or who were exposed to COVID-19. Gyms and fitness centers will have their capacity boosted from 30% to 75%. The case was heard by Circuit Judges James Dennis, a Bill Clinton (D) appointee; Stephen Higginson, a Barack Obama (D) appointee; and Don Willett, Donald Trump (R) appointee. The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. School districts had the option not to require masks if they followed CDC quarantine guidelines. d) All racetracks shall be required to have an approved reopening plan from the Louisiana Racing Commission prior to reopening. The restaurant thinned the room as a coronavirus precaution. The state has been under Phase 2 guidelines since June 5. Louisiana: State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance | Husch Blackwell But you have to check with the facility, as to what their specific guidelines are when it comes to visitation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that fatigue, body aches . As a result, Feldman wrote, "the Court is compelled to conclude that Governor Edwards ban of on-site consumption of food or drinks at 'bars' bears a 'real or substantial relation' to the goal of slowing the spread of COVID-19 and is not 'beyond all question' a violation of the bar owners constitutional rights." Events held pursuant to this Paragraph shall follow the restaurant guidance issued by the State Fire Marshal published at opensafely.la.gov. A friend of Bagala's announced he was in the hospital after testing positive for coronavirus. It is incumbent upon all of us to do our part to help put this pandemic behind us and save lives, Gov. Louisianas statewide mask mandate remains in place. Updated April 21, 2021 . Louisiana has the 44 th highest number of new cases per capita, with the lowest test positivity and new cases per capita in the South. Edwards also received his second dose of the Pfizer-manufactured coronavirus vaccine late Tuesday. Businesses and organizations that rely on such a representation shall not be deemed to be in violation of this Emergency Proclamation. Following improvements in Louisianas COVID case counts and a sustained decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations, Louisiana will move forward to Phase 3 with adjustments. Section 3. Specifically, patrons at such events shall be seated and socially distanced, and shall not congregate in groups outside of immediate household members. Louisiana children ages 6 months and older are now eligible to receive the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster, after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authorization expanding the ages eligible for the new booster. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, Louisiana to Allow 100% Indoor Capacity at Bars and Restaurants, Sign up for the Supreme Court to decide, Unraveling massive roofing scheme leaving storm insurance payouts in limbo, Nice start to May, rain possible this weekend, CSU forecasts slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, loosened many restrictions in Louisiana as he moved to a Phase 3 COVID order, www.cisa.gov/publicationlguidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce, Gov. e) Lobbies or other areas where members of the public may congregate (except for bathrooms) shall be closed to the public. Gov. All visitors wear a cloth face covering or facemask for the duration of their visit. John Bel Edwards (D) order closing bars in response to the COVID-19 pandemic unconstitutional. John Bel Edwards will have a news conference at 2 p.m. Friday to detail the state's Phase 3coronavirusrestrictions. Phase 4 General Distribution Payments | HRSA Edwards has previously come under fire from some House Republicans, including charges that he was moving too slow to reopen the economy. The stay-at-home order officially ended May 15, which was when the state moved into phase one reopening. Under Phase 3, businesses such as restaurants, salons and malls can operate at 75% capacity. Region 9, covering the north shore including St. Tammany, had more than 109 new cases for every 100,000 people last seven days, with a positive test rate of. Something went wrong. Patients requiring ventilators increased by two. 1 of 4 Governor John Bel Edwards speaks, annonuncing that 'the data is positive enough that we will be going in to Phase 3' coronavirus restrictions on Friday, during a press conference. In the United States there are many categories of warrants, each used for specific purposes, which are intended to . Additional Requirements for Certain Individuals Traveling to Florida e) All seating of patrons shall be socially distanced. Facility Operators and Activity Organizers . Shortly after, the state saw its first surge largely linked to Mardi Gras. c) Any business operating pursuant to this Paragraph shall follow the applicable guidance from the State Fire Marshal published at opensafely.1a.gov and the Louisiana Department of Health with regard to sanitization and disinfection. On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Edwards announced that following almost six weeks of improvements in Louisiana's COVID-19 case counts as well as a sustained decrease in. Edwardss new order is effective tomorrow, March 31, and expires on April 28, 2021. One year ago today, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Louisiana. This includes those with weak immune systems, those who are pregnant, and the unvaccinated. Restore Illinois Phase 4 He is expected to outline the details for Louisiana on Friday. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Again, were optimistic that we can be successful. He began a self-quarantine on March 22, 2020, after experiencing symptoms. Keep track of your trip itinerary here. As part of the Stay-At-Home order, Gov. d) Service and sales of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption shall only occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and II p.m. a) Bars shall be allowed to open for indoor, on-premises sales and consumption at 25% capacity, not to exceed 250 people, as determined by the State Fire Marshal. John Bel Edwards announced updated coro, Statewide restrictions on live music indoors have been lifted, but business owners said conditional strings attached are too tight and costly . Religious services in Louisiana will not have capacity limits, Gyms and fitness centers will stay at 50% capacity limits, Louisiana legislators and legislative staff can get the coronavirus vaccines. This section contains a table of quick facts on the states vaccine distribution plan and a timeline of noteworthy events, including updates on vaccine availability for new groups of individuals, changes to state distribution plans, and much more. You have permission to edit this article. Current safety measures - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response John Bel Edwards said Thursday the state will move to Phase 3 for the reopening of its economy amid an improving picture in the fight against the deadly virus. The Orleans Parish resident was a 58-year-old with underlying health conditions, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Isolation and Quarantine Housing. It often was more strict than the state guidance throughout the entire pandemic. Eater is tracking the impact of the COVID-19 on the citys restaurant industry. Louisiana saw its second deadliest day following the holiday COVID-19 spike. All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can. Louisiana isn't 'lifting all restrictions' in move to Phase 3, but here's what could change. C) All businesses or organizations, including all offices of the State of Louisiana, its political subdivisions, and all other governmental offices, shall require all persons who enter the premises to wear a face covering, unless the individual is not required to wear a face covering pursuant to Subsection 3(B) of this order. But we also know that COVID variants, which we know are more contagious, are active in Louisiana. Higgins announced on Facebook that he and his family tested positive for coronavirus. It often was more strict than the state guidance throughout the entire pandemic. Lousisiana Open Safely Phase 2 Phase 2 - Place of Worship Maine Restarting Maine's Economy Religious services mentioned in stage 1 Community Levels, which focus on COVID-19 hospitalizations and the potential for strain on the local health system. City of New Orleans Guidelines; As of May 5, 2022, Orleans Parish is categorized as having LOW COVID-19 Community Level, when considering the three CDC measures together and using the thresholds listed in the chart above.Therefore, the New Orleans Health Department is revising prior guidelines, lifting requirements on COVID . John Bel Edwards and weather experts said Sunday Tropical Storm Sally will turn into a slow-moving, Category 2 hurricane that co, Skeptical members of two House committees Wednesday grilled Gov. South: Coronavirus-Related Restrictions And Reopenings : NPR The governor said the order to shutter businesses was an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. There was a problem saving your notification. The mandate was issued at the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 cases. We have to be extremely careful with this. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, businesses were required to close or restrict activity to preserve and protect the health and safety of the citizens of Louisiana. Edwards Lifts Louisianas Mask Mandate Statewide, Except for K-12 Schools, Aug. 2, 2021- Temporary Statewide Mask Mandate Guidance for All Business Types, May 26, 2021 - Swimming Pools and Aquatic Venues, May 26, 2021 - Conferences and Conventions, May 26, 2021 - Fairs, Festivals and Carnivals, May 26, 2021 - Amusements, Water Parks, Indoor Play Centers, May 26, 2021 - Pool Halls, Bowling, Arcades, Skating Rinks, May 26, 2021 - Indoor and Outdoor Sports, Stadium & Arenas, May 26, 2021 - Theaters, Concert or Music Halls, May 26, 2021 - Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums, May 26, 2021 - Outdoor Playground or Play Center, May 26, 2021 - Restaurants, Cafes and Coffee Shops, May 26, 2021 - Bars, Nightclubs and Micro-Breweries, May 26, 2021 - Business and Organizations, May 26, 2021 - Fitness Center or Health Club, May 26, 2021 - Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, Nail Salon, or Tanning Salon, May 26, 2021 - Personal Care Services (Close Contact), May 26, 2021 - Shopping or Retail Outlets, April 29, 2021 - Swimming Pools and Aquatic Venues, April 28, 2021 - Conferences and Conventions, April 28, 2021 - Fairs, Festivals and Carnivals, April 28, 2021 - Amusements, Water Parks, Indoor Play Centers, April 28, 2021 - Pool Halls, Bowling, Arcades, Skating Rinks, April 28, 2021 - Indoor and Outdoor Sports, Stadium & Arenas, April 28, 2021 - Theaters, Concert or Music Halls, April 28, 2021 - Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums, April 28, 2021 - Outdoor Playground or Play Center, April 28, 2021 - Restaurants, Cafes and Coffee Shops, April 28, 2021 - Bars, Nightclubs and Micro-Breweries, April 28, 2021 - Business and Organizations, April 28, 2021 - Fitness Center or Health Club, April 28, 2021 - Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, Nail Salon, or Tanning Salon, April 28, 2021 - Personal Care Services (Close Contact), April 28, 2021 - Shopping or Retail Outlets, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Swimming Pools and Aquatic Venues, March 31, 2021 - Business or Organization, March 31, 2021 - Personal Care Services (Close Contact), March 31, 2021 - Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums, March 31, 2021 - Outdoor Playground or Play Center, March 31, 2021 - Theaters, Concert or Music Halls, March 31, 2021 - Pool Halls, Bowling, Arcades, Skating Rinks, March 31, 2021 - Conferences and Conventions, March 31, 2021 - Indoor and Outdoor Sports, Stadium & Arenas, March 31, 2021 - Fitness Center or Health Club, March 31, 20201 - Shopping or Retail Outlets, March 31, 2021- Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, Nail Salon, or Tanning Salon, March 31, 2021 - Amusements, Water Parks, Indoor Play Centers, March 31, 2021 - Swimming Pools and Aquatic Venues, March 31, 2021 - Fairs, Festivals and Carnivals, March 31, 2021 - Bars, Nightclubs, and Micro-Breweries, March 31, 2021 Restaurants, Cafes and Coffee Shops, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Conferences and Conventions, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Pool Halls, Bowling, Arcades, Skating Rinks, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Indoor and Outdoor Sports, Stadiums & Arenas, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Outdoor Playground or Play Center, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Salons and Barber Shops, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Fitness Centers or Health Clubs, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Shopping or Retail Outlets, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Theaters, Concert or Music Halls, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Events or Event Venues, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021-Personal Care Services (Close Contact), Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Bar, Nightclubs, and Micro-Breweries, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Business or Organization, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Amusements, Fairs, Festivals, Play Centers, Similar Activities, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Restaurants, Cafes and Coffee Shops, Phase 3 - March 3, 2021- Places of Worship, Return to Revised Phase 2- Business or Organization, Return to Revised Phase 2- Fitness Center or Health Club, Return to Revised Phase 2- Place of Worship, Return to Revised Phase 2- Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, Nail Salon, or Tanning Salon, Return to Revised Phase 2- Shopping or Retail Outlet, Return to Revised Phase 2- Swimming Pools and Aquatic Venues, Return to Revised Phase 2- Amusement Park, Sports Park, Fair, Carnival, Water Park, Haunted Houses, or Theme Park, Return to Revised Phase 2- Movie Theater, Concert or Music Hall, Return to Revised Phase 2- Museum or Aquarium, Return to Revised Phase 2- Outdoor Playground or Play Center, Return to Revised Phase 2- Personal Care Service (Close Contact), Return to Revised Phase 2- Pool hall, Bowling Alley, Skating Rink, or Arcade, Return to Revised Phase 2- Events or Event Venues, Return to Revised Phase 2- Stadium, Arena, Ball Courts, Gymnasium, Outdoor Sports, Return to Revised Phase 2- Nightclub, Tavern or Bar, Return to Revised Phase 2- Restaurant, Cafe, or Coffee Shop, Phase 3- Indoor and Outdoor Sports, Racing, Phase 3- Swimming Pools and Aquatic Facilities, Phase 3- Fitness Centers and Health Clubs, Phase 2-Arcades Bowling Alleys Skating Rinks Pool Halls, Gov. g) Any bar shall be allowed to provide for takeout through drive-thru or curbside delivery, including alcoholic beverages. The timeline below lists statewide responses we tracked. Covid-19 News | La Dept. of Health - Louisiana Department of Health Dr. Kanter with the Louisiana Department of Health was on hand to discuss the current status of COVID and the vaccine. Scalise announced that he was entering a self-quarantine for two weeks after learning U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart tested positive for coronavirus. All businesses outlined in the guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) as outlined in version 4.0 of that guidance and published at www.cisa.gov/publicationlguidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce may remain in full operation. Edwardss announcement that while city officials did not yet know the details of the governors updated order, you can anticipate that, as we have in every other stage of this, we are likely not going to be immediately in lock step with the state. While Tidwell said the city would have updated guidelines to provide later this week, the current guidelines for the city will remain in place until further notice. New Orleans has maintained stricter guidelines than the state for the majority of the pandemic, and more recently has lagged behind the states easing of restrictions by about a week. Here's what Louisiana's new Phase 3 coronavirus restrictions mean for COVID-19 Order No. In a message to students, faculty and staff, LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan Jr. said campus operations will remain largely unchanged, including how courses are instructed.