Louisiana governor issues mask mandate and closes bars again

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards did an about face from earlier in the week and issued a mandate Saturday that everyone must wear a mask when entering establishments beginning Monday, July 13. Some parishes can opt out if they meet certain thresholds.

Earlier this week, Edwards had indicated he was against mandating masks be worn while in public, but with Louisiana’s COVID-19 case load again climbing significantly, Edwards changed course

As part of the mandate, bars will once again be shuttered although if they have a food permit, they can still serve food through curbside pickup and delivery.

Louisiana’s 2,000-plus case increase on both Friday and Saturday along with rising hospitalizations impacted Edwards decision.

Louisiana’s current statistics stand at 76,803 cumulative cases, 3,295 deaths,1,182 currently hospitalized with 46,344 presumed recovered.