Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement to remind Louisianans of aggressive measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 after another big jump in cases.
The state announced Friday evening that there were 537 confirmed cases and 14 deaths from the coronavirus illness.
“Today Louisiana confirmed four deaths related to COVID-19 and 145 new cases of the illness," Edwards said.
He noted the rapidly spreading virus was now in 27 parishes.
"As I have noted many times before, the coming days and weeks are critical to flattening the curve and reducing the spread of illness in Louisiana."
He talked about how he had a chance to update Vice President Mike Pence on the situation in Louisiana.
He outlined the mitigation efforts in Louisiana, including the enhanced measures announced Friday in New Orleans.
“We have put in place aggressive measures already, including limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing public schools, bars, casinos, movie theaters, gyms and fitness centers and limiting restaurants to drive through, take out or delivery options. I am supportive of local efforts, like those from Mayor LaToya Cantrell in New Orleans, to further reduce the spread in their communities. All people must heed the orders of both state and local officials during this critical time.”
The release included the following:
Governor Edwards has put in place a number of restrictions on the public to prevent spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including:
- Limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people
- Closing all K-12 public schools
- Closing casinos, bars movie theatres, gyms and fitness centers
- Closing restaurants to patrons eating on site. Take-out, drive-through and delivery orders are allowed
- Reducing the use of public buildings by closing in some areas, encouraging the use of remote working by government employees
- Moving the April 4 election
