This article originally appeared on reportNOLA. It has been reprinted with permission.
On Monday, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a proclamation further limiting gatherings and business operations in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“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.”
Edwards ordered all casinos, bars, and movie theaters to close, all restaurants are to move to delivery and drive-through service only, and large gatherings are limited to fewer than 50 people. The restrictions take effect statewide at midnight tonight. Normal business may be able to resume April 13, pending on a statewide evaluation to be conducted April 6.
The Louisiana Department of Health is now reporting 114 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 79 of those in New Orleans.
