Governor John Bel Edwards is keeping the current Phase Three coronavirus public health restrictions in place until November 6th. That includes the statewide mask mandate. Edwards says the current mitigation measures have been able to keep the state’s case count and hospitalizations down, even with most businesses expanding operations.
“With the generally applicable 75% capacity across many venue types there just is not a lot further to go in terms of loosening restrictions until we are fully back to normal,” said Edwards.
In one slight change alcohol sales are now allowed at sporting events in parishes that are eligible to open bars. Edwards says 27 of the 40 parishes that qualify for reopening bars have done so.
A process has begun to allow fairs and festivals to resume on a case by case basis, but all such events will be limited to 500 people at a time.
Edwards’ extension comes as there is an aggressive Republican legislative effort to strip him of all or most of his public health authority. He said his orders are supported by the White House and not up for debate with lawmakers.
“Quite frankly they don’t want any restrictions or mitigation measures in place so there is no communication you could have with them that is going to be satisfying but at the end of the day we are doing what is right,” said Edwards.
Bills that would reduce his public health authority have obtained majorities, but not veto-proof majorities, and a series of non-vetoable resolutions doing the same that have passed are likely to have to be resolved in court.