Louisiana gov shutters bars, issues mask mandate: ‘Current restrictions are not enough’
Amid spiraling coronavirus infections and steadily-increasing hospitalizations, Gov. John Bel Edwards on Saturday said he is issuing a statewide mask mandate and closing bars, making Louisiana the latest Southern state to ratchet restrictions back up after months of reopening.
Starting Monday, people will be required to wear masks when entering establishments or outdoors if they cannot be at least six feet away from others, and bars will have to revert back to “to-go” service.
The decision comes on the heels of similar mask mandates in several of the state’s largest metro areas, including East Baton Rouge, Jefferson and Orleans parishes, along with neighboring states Texas and Mississippi. While the governor had previously said he would leave that to local officials, and that he was focused on gaining compliance with the existing rules, he said Saturday increasing numbers of cases and the advice of public health officials convinced him otherwise.
Businesses can be fined up to $500 for violating the governor’s executive order, if they are found allowing customers or staff in their establishment without wearing masks. If patrons refuse to wear a mask and refuse to leave the business, they can be cited for trespassing.
But Edwards became animated when asked about enforcement, insisting the state will not succeed in slowing the spread of the virus if people rely on the state to crack down on violators. He said it’s not the state’s “goal” to write tickets.
“If you don’t like the mask mandate, then don’t like it. But wear your mask anyway if you’re going to be out in public,” Edwards said.
“If you want to criticize me, criticize me. This isn’t an easy thing to do. It’s hard. And I understand it’s going to be controversial. And I know that there are already wild and crazy things being said about masks and mask mandates. But so be it. It’s the right thing to do.”
Businesses can be fined up to $500 for violating the governor’s executive order, if they are found allowing customers or staff in their establishment without wearing masks. If patrons refuse to wear a mask and refuse to leave the business, they can be cited for trespassing.
But Edwards became animated when asked about enforcement, insisting the state will not succeed in slowing the spread of the virus if people rely on the state to crack down on violators. He said it’s not the state’s “goal” to write tickets.
“If you don’t like the mask mandate, then don’t like it. But wear your mask anyway if you’re going to be out in public,” Edwards said.
“If you want to criticize me, criticize me. This isn’t an easy thing to do. It’s hard. And I understand it’s going to be controversial. And I know that there are already wild and crazy things being said about masks and mask mandates. But so be it. It’s the right thing to do.”
Restaurants will still be able to offer indoor dining and serve alcohol, and other businesses will not be affected by the order. But bars have come under particularly heightened scrutiny among public health experts, and Edwards said they have proved to be “hotspots” for the virus.
Read the full story at Nola.com