At his Tuesday COVID-19 media conference, Governor John Bel Edwards announced he plans to ease back some of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions beginning Wednesday.
Governor Edwards says the state’s COVID numbers are declining and vaccinations are on the rise, which prompted him to ease some of the restrictions.
The less strict guidelines will take effect tomorrow when the governor’s current proclamation expires.
Most of the lessened restrictions pertain to crowd sizes and hours when alcohol can be served at businesses such as bars, event venues, and sporting events. However, the state’s mask mandate will remain in place.
“But, restaurants, bars, gyms, retail settings will no longer have in place a strict occupancy limit,” said Edwards. “Limitations on when bars and restaurants can serve alcohol will default to local ordinances. So, those hours of operation and hours of service will be completely lifted.”
Bars will still have to require customers to be seated at a table in order to be served alcohol.
“Businesses and venues that host larger gatherings like reception halls will remain capped at 50% of their occupancy but the maximum, now, will be 500 people. So now it is 50% or 500 people.”
Edwards says that the new guideline doubles the maximum capacity limit compared to the previous capacity restriction. Outdoor events will be required to social distance but there will be no limit on crowd capacity.
When it comes to live music Edwards says the most restrictive guideline regarding a venue's HVAC system will be eased making it easier for live music venues to follow the ‘Safe Reopening’ guidelines.
Governor Edwards will outline the new guidelines on Wednesday when he issues a new proclamation.