As Virus Cases Spike, Louisiana Governor Adds Restrictions

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards is toughening restrictions on businesses and gatherings as Louisiana sees a third spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. The Democratic governor is decreasing customers allowed at restaurants, gyms, salons, casinos, malls and other nonessential businesses from 75% of their occupancy rate to 50%. Crowds at churches will be capped at 75% of their capacity. Most bars will be limited to takeout, delivery and outside seating because the new restrictions require parishes to have low percentages of coronavirus tests returning positive to allow indoor drinking at bars. High school football game crowd sizes will shrink to 25%. The new rules take effect Wednesday November 25, 2020 and expire Dec. 23.

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Louisiana is experiencing a third surge of COVID-19. With the continued rise in cases and hospitalizations, we have reason to worry and to make necessary changes in how we are battling this virus. Today, I am announcing that we will be going to a revised Phase 2. #lagov pic.twitter.com/9nGZWPquK0
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) November 24, 2020