By Message Staff
BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Gov. John Bel Edwards has extended his stay-at-home order through May 15, modifying it slightly but not lifting restrictions against public gatherings such as on-campus church services.
During a news conference, Edwards announced that starting May 1 restaurants are allowed to permit customers to eat outdoors on patios but that there cannot be any table service. Similarly, shopping malls may operate curbside retail service, but workers who engage with customers must wear masks.
Edwards said the decision was based upon data from the Louisiana Department of Health showing that on average new cases and hospitalizations have decreased statewide, but that there were still some areas of concern. Out of the nine regions in the state, Acadiana, Baton Rouge and Monroe have seen an increase in cases, and the Northshore has seen a plateau. Additionally, Baton Rouge and Monroe also have seen increases in hospitalizations and Shreveport-Bossier and the Southwest regions have seen a plateau.
“Thanks to the commitment of the people of Louisiana, our state has made progress in flattening the curve and reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus,” Edwards said. “Unfortunately, we still have a little work to do before we meet the criteria to safely move to the next phase of reopening. So I will extend the state’s stay-at-home order until May 15, with a few minor changes.
“While this is not the announcement I want to make, I am hopeful, and all of Louisiana should be hopeful, that we will enter into the next phase of reopening soon, in mid-May,” he continued. “I am anxious to get all areas of our economy reopened, but if we accelerate too quickly, we may have to slam on the brakes. That will be bad for public health and for businesses, bad for our people and bad for our state.”
Adren Wilson, deputy chief of staff for programs and planning in the governor’s office, said while churches still are limited to having no more than 10 people meeting together inside their facilities, they can continue holding drive-in services. He reminded churches to adhere to current guidelines that state:
— worshipers may not exit their cars for any reason and must keep windows up;
— restroom facilities on campus must remain closed;
— no one may sit in the bed of a truck; and,
— lawn chairs may not be used on church grounds.
“As you continue to lead your congregations and communities through this difficult time please urge everyone to practice social distancing, good hygiene and wear a mask when in public,” Wilson said in an e-mail sent to faith leaders Monday. “In addition, the general public is strongly urged to wear masks when in public — this is a recommendation of the CDC and of the Louisiana Department of Health. Wearing a mask is being a good neighbor, and in Louisiana we pride ourselves on being good neighbors. Your mask protects other people and their masks protect you.
“The Governor and the First Lady are praying for you,” he continued. “Thank you for your leadership and please take care of yourself.”
