Ivan Radic / CC
Governor John Bel Edwards announces a partial lift of the statewide mask mandate effective Wednesday. With vaccine eligibility open to all residents 16 and older for more than a month in Louisiana and a continued downward trend of case numbers and deaths from COVID, he said now is the time to ease restrictions.
“Instead of a blanket mask mandate we will be allowing local leaders and business owners to set their own policies regarding masks,” said Edwards.
The mask mandate remains in effect for state buildings, K-12 schools and universities, public transportation, and all licensed healthcare facilities.
“Because you certainly have individuals in those settings who are vulnerable to the disease based on their age and or health condition, and that does include nursing homes,” said Edwards.
The new proclamation also eases some restrictions on live music, allows some businesses like salons to reopen their waiting rooms, and removes outdoor limitations on crowds. Edwards said as for indoor venues.
“Event centers, theaters, conference facilities, they will be able to choose between a 75% occupancy capacity while social distancing or they can choose 100% capacity with masks,” said Edwards.
For all indoor sporting events capacity remains at 75-percent with social distancing or venues can choose a 100-percent capacity with a mask mandate.
The statewide mask mandate has been in effect since July 13th of 2020.
To view the mandate click here.
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