As businesses reopen in Phase 1, Edwards continues to stress social distancing, testing

BATON ROUGE, La. (KSLA) - Governor John Bel Edwards answered questions about the Phase 1 of reopening the state during Wednesday’s press conference and stressed the continued importance of social distancing.

As the end of the current statewide stay-at-home order draws near and the start of Phase 1 approaches, there are many questions about the decisions to allow some businesses to open and others to remain closed.

Two business that will remain closed under Phase 1 are tattoo and massage parlors. According to Edwards the decision was made after consulting with health officials. There is concern about the extended contact between individuals.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Edwards stated that the state will ramp up testing for the COVID-19 virus and contact tracing for those who test positive.

One of the main areas they are want the push for more testing is in area nursing homes. During the pandemic, several nursing homes in Louisiana have been effected by the COVID-19 virus.

Officials hope that by the end of the week all residents and employees at five veterans homes will be tested for the virus.

The governor continues to stress social distancing and the use of face coverings while out in public.

Edwards says that while the state is currently on the right track, we still have a long way to go.

As of Wednesday, May 13, there were 32,662 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Louisiana, with 2,315 deaths.

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