Business advocates are hopeful as the state transitions to Phase Three health restrictions today. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack said he feels this is the light at the end of a very dark tunnel after so many businesses have struggled the last year.
“Our businesses are looking forward to that and we hope that this Phase Three, look let’s be honest, we hope it’s a short-lived stop and we get to fully opening soon enough,” said Waguespack.
Waguespack said so many of the businesses have taken the brunt of the pandemic and he’s extremely proud of the adjustments they’ve made to stay afloat, but the closures have been hard on so many.
“We’re still over 60,000 unemployment claims each week, we’re still over 8% unemployment. Those are real numbers that have a traumatic impact,” said Waguespack.
He’s also optimistic that neighboring states will also begin to ease restrictions so the tourism industry in Louisiana can rebound.
As case numbers decrease and more people become eligible to be vaccinated Waguespack believes it will give those who have been vaccinated the confidence to go back out into the community safely and revitalize the economy.
“Consult with your physician and if you are good for the vaccine, we encourage you to go out and do it. It’s not just good you, it’s good for your family and it’s good for the community,” said Waguespack.
Waguespack is optimistic the state will transition out of Phase Three in the near future and be able to fully reopen.
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