Following increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper has reissued a mask mandate when inside public places.
“The progress that we have made in the last 18 months has been lost and now, it is time to refocus our efforts on mitigating the spread,” said Cooper. “Our local hospitals have reported record levels of hospitalizations. In the last two weeks, St. Tammany Parish has seen COVID-19 cases skyrocket, shattering previous records. The very least we can do, in order to move forward, is to wear a mask.”
Masks are required for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals five years old and over, when inside public places, in accordance to CDC and Louisiana state guidelines.
On Monday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported a three-day weekend total of 738 COVID-19 cases in St. Tammany Parish. The previous weekend total was 509, which was reported last Monday, July 26 according to parish officials.
“Our vaccinations have slightly risen to 46% within the last week or two; however, we still have a long way to go,” said Cooper. “My administration is strongly encouraging all citizens, who are able, to please consult your medical professional and consider vaccination. It is proven and safe.”