Governor issues Stay at Home order

Gov. John Bel Edwards on Sunday issued a statewide Stay at Home order to further combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in Louisiana. It will go into effect at 5 p.m. today.

The order effectively closes all businesses that aren't providing essential services, moves the public gathering limit down to 10 people from the previous 50, and asks residents to stay in their homes when not out on essential trips, such as picking up groceries or medicine.

“In Louisiana we have taken aggressive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve; however, this is not enough," Edwards said. "As our number of cases continue to grow, I am directing all Louisianans to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary for you to leave."

The order closes all places of public amusement, personal grooming businesses, and malls, according to Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency guidelines. Essential businesses, such as those in health care and supply chain, will remain open. For a full list of types of essential business, click here.

Lincoln Parish reported its first two confirmed cases of the coronavirus Sunday before the governor's announcement. As of Monday morning, there were more than 1,100 confirmed cases in the state, with 34 deaths.

"Members of the public will still be allowed to go to grocery stores and pharmacies to pick up food, medicine and necessary supplies, go to their essential jobs and to go outside for exercise and fresh air," a press release from Edwards' office reads. "When leaving their home, people should practice social distancing."

Click here to view the full order.