Tougher coronavirus restrictions go into effect today as the state is seeing a third surge of COVID-19 cases. The modified Phase Two will result in bars closing, fewer people inside restaurants and gyms, and new limits on the size of gatherings. Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says they are once again concerned about capacity at hospitals.
“First thing I’ve heard that people have had to wait a long time to get a bed when they get admitted into the emergency department, I know one hospital had to use recliners in the ER to let people wait while bed opened up,” said Kanter.
Kanter says COVID hospitalizations have doubled since early October. He says the new restrictions are not just because we are entering the holiday season.
“With the numbers they are now, even without Thanksgiving coming to head, we’ll continue to get worse until we really take some action,” said Kanter.
Governor Edwards says his latest public health emergency order will remain in effect through December 23rd and he does not expect restrictions to loosen in time for Christmas, based on the reports he’s receiving from health experts.
“It indicates that we are in for a couple of three really, really though months here in Louisiana and around the country,” said Edwards.
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