Neighboring states Texas and Arkansas are seeing a sizable spike in new COVID-19 coronavirus numbers. The state of Florida is also seeing a rise igniting fears that progress made against the viral infection could be set back demonstrably if the numbers spiral out of control.
Against this backdrop WWL went to the people to see what they thought.
One man said, “All the protests and things like that, people gathering together. So they might start rising.”
Yes protesters were gathered together, tightly at some times. But this reporter saw over 90% compliance with face covering during these protests and marches over many nights.
People we talked to also wondered if going back to Phase One is even realistic.
“Once you hit Phase Two, once you hit that, I have a feeling people ain’t gonna to want to go back to that, even though some people are getting sick.”
Several of the people we talked to think we shouldn’t have left Phase One.
“I think they should’ve all let it stay closed for a year (!), I know that might have been kind of hard,” this woman says. “But I think they know what they’re dealing with, so I think they should’ve let it stay closed. They did it kind of fast and I think it started back up.”
Another was in agreement.
“I think they should, I really do, go back to Phase One.”
She added, “Our numbers have gone up since they went to Phase Two. So if they would’ve kept things like they were, maybe things could’ve ended a little faster than they are. Because I think we’re going backwards instead of forward.”
One man we spoke hopes the numbers don’t spike.
“I hope not, man, I hope you’re wrong about that,” he told me. “Let’s just hope for the best, my brother, let’s just hope for the best and pray to God it doesn't escalate.”
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is not overly concerned right now.
“The percentage of positive cases that we have relative to the overall number of test that we are administering is well below ten percent, which is the goal of the World Health Organization,” says Edwards.
