Edwards announces more anti-virus measures

Gov. John Bel Edwards on Monday took additional measures to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 in in Louisiana by imposing further limitations on public gatherings, restaurant operations and more.

Gatherings are now limited to fewer than 50 people. Restaurants are restricted to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only, and casinos, bars and movie theaters are closed. 

All changes went into effect statewide Monday at midnight.

Operations may be able to resume on April 13, the same day public schools are set to reopen, but the situation will be reevaluated seven days prior.

There were 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana as of late Monday afternoon. Three people have died.

Meanwhile, no confirmed cases have been reported in Lincoln Parish.

“More aggressive steps are necessary to fight the spread of COVID-19 across Louisiana,” Edwards said. “These limitations were difficult to make, but they are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the health of Louisianans and flatten the curve.

“In addition to meeting with Sen. Bill Cassidy this morning who is supportive of our efforts, I was also on a call with President Trump and Vice President Pence that lasted more than an hour, and they were very clear that we must significantly expand our mitigation efforts to slow the progress of COVID-19 before there is more community spread.”