Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has changed his recommendation in mask wearing.
“Today is a great day and a clear sign that all three COVID vaccines currently available are not only safe but extremely effective at protecting us from the virus and helping us return to the normal way of life we have all been working hard to achieve,” Edwards said.
He announced that after the CDC issued new guidance, he consulted the Louisiana Department of Health.
"I have revised the current proclamation to give anyone who is fully vaccinated the option to no longer wear a mask while indoors in most places. We have made tremendous progress in Louisiana with nearly 3 million doses administered and more than 1.3 million residents fully vaccinated and protected."
Edwards says cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to decrease as more people get the vaccine.
The governor stressed that no one should be shamed for continuing to cover their mouth and nose.
"There may still be some who choose to wear their masks in any setting, and those individuals should be respected and supported in their choices."
He says individual businesses may also continue to determine whether masks are required.
"I encourage those who have not yet gotten the COVID vaccine to do so as soon as possible and to use this as motivation to ensure your loved ones, neighbors and communities are as safe as possible. This is further proof that by working together there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish, and those who have gone sleeves up against COVID can begin getting back to the things they know and love, without the stress.”
