Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate is now in effect. The new order comes following the state reporting some of the highest new daily case counts of the pandemic. Edwards says the timing of when mask-wearing is required is clear.
“It’s indoors and outdoors when you can’t be physically distant from others,” said Edwards.
The order comes with a few exemptions from wearing a mask, including people with certain medical conditions. Edwards says he is relying on businesses to help with encouraging individuals to mask up.
“If someone doesn’t meet one of the exemptions and refuses to wear a mask, they should be asked to leave. At that point and time, if they don’t leave, then at that point they are trespassing,” said
Edwards says he knows that the mask mandate will be controversial, but adds that he believes in the people of Louisiana to be resilient.
“We know what it means to be a good neighbor and now it is important to be a good neighbor. And if you don’t like the mask mandate, then don’t like it, but wear it anyway if you are going to be out in public. If you want to criticize me, criticize me,” said Edwards.
Only three parishes are exempt from the mandate due to the per capita infection rate, but mask-wearing is still very much encouraged. Grant, Red River, and West Feliciana parishes have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people.
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