Governor John Bel Edwards says the most recent COVID-19 numbers are encouraging, but as for a decision on Phase Two reopening that will have to wait. Edwards says the data is still being analyzed, but it’s encouraging to see the number of hospitalizations has fallen below 800.
“So we’re going to look at all of that, I am encouraged but I am not making any announcement today, that announcement will be made next week as to what that decision is,” says Edwards.
He hopes to make the announcement on June 1st on possible movement to Phase Two, Phase One is currently in effect until June 5th.
The number of patients who are hospitalized dropped by another 37 on Thursday to 761.
Edwards says based on the number of positive cases of those who have been tested and the fact that you can be an asymptomatic carrier it is so important that we all wear masks.
“We’re doing more than ask if you are a business owner or an employee of a business and you’re coming into contact with customers, we’re requiring that mask. We’re strongly encouraging it for everyone else,” says Edwards
Edwards says the state has made great progress going from number two in the country to number nine of COVID-19 cases per capita because so many have cooperated with guidelines, but we must continue to do so.
“And I hate when people say well will it come back in the fall? Well, it hadn’t left. You know this is the mother-in-law who stays. I shouldn’t say that, I love my mother-in-law.”
Reported by Brooke Thorington