Louisiana gov. toughens COVID-19 restrictions on businesses

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Tuesday toughened restrictions on businesses and gatherings as Louisiana faces a new spike in coronavirus hospitalizations.

Under the newly issued restrictions, the number of customers allowed at restaurants, gyms, salons, casinos, malls, and other nonessential businesses was reduced from 75% of their occupancy rate to 50%. 

Crowds at churches will be capped at 75% of their capacity, with distancing among people of different households required.

"Our numbers are not good, and they’re getting worse everywhere. This is clearly a statewide surge, and it requires a statewide, coordinated effort," Edwards said.

The new rules take effect Wednesday and expire Dec. 23, Weartv reports. The statewide mask mandate will remain in place.

The intensified restrictions come as Louisiana is experiencing its third surge in infections of the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus. Hospitals are cautioning they are concerned the latest swell in cases will overwhelm their facilities.

"The path ahead right now is dangerous. This is a dangerous time for Louisiana," said Dr. Joe Kanter, the governor’s chief public health adviser. “We are now in lockstep with the rest of the country.”

On Tuesday, hospitalizations reached 1,052 according to the Louisiana Department of Health. While that’s well below the peak of nearly 2,000 in April, COVID-19 hospitalizations are the highest they’ve been since August, jumping 77% during November alone, according to the data.

At least 6,072 people in Louisiana are confirmed to have died from the disease since March, according to the health department.

Edwards’ new coronavirus rules send Louisiana back from Phase 3 restrictions that had been in place for two months to something that looks like the Phase 2 guidelines the governor enacted from June until mid-September. The White House’s coronavirus advisers urged Louisiana to step up its restrictions amid its third wave of infections.