Gov. Edwards takes more aggressive measures to limit spread of COVID-19

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Governor John Bel Edwards is taking more significant measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. He’s further limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars, fitness centers and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only.

These changes are effective statewide at midnight, tonight.

In addition, the order addresses emergency procurement measures and the use of video or teleconferencing for public meetings. It also suspends various prescriptive periods and legal deadlines plus allows for the chief law enforcement officer of a parish to set a curfew, among other things.

Operations may be able to resume on Monday, April 13, however, the situation will be reevaluated seven days prior.

There are currently 136 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. Three people have died.

“More aggressive steps are necessary to fight the spread of COVID-19 across Louisiana. Following additional guidance from the CDC, gatherings of more than 50 people are no longer permitted, bars and casinos must close and restaurants will only be able to offer take out or delivery,” Gov. Edwards said. “These limitations were difficult to make, but they are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the health of Louisianans and flatten the curve.”

“What we’re learning is that it can take two weeks for symptoms to appear. We believe we are still unearthing community spread that’s been around for the past several weeks, which means it is a statewide problem that requires statewide solutions,” Gov. Edwards said.

“In addition to meeting with Sen. Bill Cassidy this morning who is supportive of our efforts, I was also on a call with President Trump and Vice President Pence that lasted more than an hour and they were very clear that we must significantly expand our mitigation efforts to slow the progress of COVID-19 before there is more community spread. Action must be taken now, even in areas where there are no confirmed cases yet.”

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