(AP) — Bars in a few Louisiana parishes will be allowed to reopen under new, looser coronavirus restrictions announced by Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Bars in the state have been closed since July unless they have licenses to operate as restaurants.
The governor announced the new guidelines Friday.
Now bars in parishes where the percentage of positive COVID-19 deaths is 5% or below for at least two weeks can open if parish leaders approve.
Restaurants, spas, gyms and other businesses can also operate at 75% capacity — up from 50% — if they can maintain social distancing.
The state's virus death toll surpassed 5,000 Friday, though hospitalizations continue to drop.