Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards took a moment during his COVID-19 news conference today to answer questions about a picture of him appearing maskless.
The governor's office says the photo was taken in early November, while the governor was at the Country Club of Baton Rouge. The image circulated on social media and criticism of the governor was covered by various news outlets.
According to the governor's press office, Edwards was eating lunch when he "briefly" stood up to speak to someone.
"There was absolutely nothing I did that day that violated the rules that were in place," Edwards said during his news conference. "Had that photo been taken ten seconds later, you would have seen me with a mask on."
The governor added, "I don’t think we ask anyone to eat at a table with a mask on."
The governor issued a statewide mask mandate last July and has kept it place ever since.