Gov. John Bel Edwards says he could announce a decision as soon as Wednesday (Sept. 9) if Louisiana will roll out Phase III of its reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current executive order that details the state’s Phase II reopening and restrictions is set to expire on at midnight on Friday, Sept. 12.
During Tuesday (Sept. 8) press briefing, Edwards said he had a meeting set for later that day with his team to review the data that helps determine if the state can move into a new phase. Additionally, on Wednesday, he anticipates a conference with the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Presumably, after those two events, the Governor could be ready to announce whether Louisiana will move into Phase III.
“Obviously, we will have a decision before Friday,” Edwards says. “It will be based on data and recommendations we have from the White House.”
Meanwhile, it remains unclear how large crowd gatherings and parties over the Labor Day Holiday weekend will impact COVID-19 cases in New Orleans and across the state. In New Orleans, large crowds gathering in the French Quarter and other downtown areas.
