During a visit to LSU’s campus, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Doctor Deborah Birx says the changes made to Louisiana’s COVID-19 mitigation measures saved lives. Birx says two and a half months ago, 80% of the parishes had over a ten-percent positivity rate on coronavirus tests taken, but there’s been a decline in cases since the mask mandate.
“We’ve learned from Louisiana that masks work,” said Dr. Birx.
On July 11th, Governor Edwards called for a statewide mask mandate and closed bars. Some parishes have been allowed to re-open bars as long as the percentage of positive tests falls below 5% for a two-week period.
Birx says it’s important these mitigation measures stay in place.
“If we can have bars where everyone was physically distant and never taking their masks off, then that can be a discussion,” said Birx.
Since Birx was on the LSU campus, she was asked about the university having 25,000 fans inside Tiger Stadium this Saturday LSU’s season opener against Mississippi State. Birx says it’s important that fans stay socially distanced from others and the no tailgating rule is a good one.
“And don’t create your own bar situation in your hotel room or in the lobby or in some unknown place, because you will create viral spreading events,” said Birx.
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