At his April 27 press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the stay-at-home order will be extended to May 15, 2020.

“Unfortunately, we do not meet the criteria” to begin the early phases of the state’s re-opening. The governor added this decision came at the recommendation of his medical team.

Governor Edwards noted that Louisiana still has the 6th highest per capita rate of coronavirus infections in the nation. None of the states with the top ten highest rates of infection have decided to re-open on May 1.

“The people of Louisiana are strong,” Governor Edwards said. “We are moving in the right direction. By taking the stay-at-home order seriously, we are well on our way to entering the next phase of re-opening.”

Governor Edwards invited Dr. Alex Billioux, of the Louisiana Department of Health, to speak. Dr. Billioux said that while cases are decreasing in the Greater New Orleans region, the state has an increase in cases around Baton Rouge, Acadiana, and Monroe.

“We are going to get through this,” Governor Edwards reassured the audience, “but we’re only going to be successful by following the data and the science.”

“We intend to do that,” the governor said.

Governor Edwards also reported 295 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 27,068 statewide. An additional 26 people passed away due to the virus, bringing that total to 1,697 dead statewide.

The press conference was not all bad news, however. “That’s the lowest numbers of cases and deaths since March 29,” Governor Edwards added. Additionally, the healthcare system is no longer in danger of being overwhelmed.

“But that’s because of the people who took [the stay-at-home order] seriously,” the governor warned.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as more details emerge. You can view the Governor’s press conference here.