Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards speaking to the media in Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 3, 2016. Wikimedia Creative Commons Photo

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced this afternoon that Louisiana will move to Phase 3. Under the new restrictions, which begin tomorrow the statewide mask mandate will remain in place. Other provisions include:

• Most businesses, including restaurants and salons, can increase capacity to 75%

• Bars can offer indoor service up to 25%, or up to 50% in parishes with a positivity rate below 5%. Crowds are capped at 250. Alcohol sales still must cease at 11 p.m.

• Live music allowed indoors upon approval from the Louisiana Fire Marshal

• Gyms and fitness centers remain at 50% capacity.

• No limitations on church services, however, social distancing is encouraged and masking is required.

• Athletic events allowed 50% capacity

It is important to note that as of today, New Orleans remains in Phase 2 under Mayor Cantrell’s COVID-19 order. According to City Hall spokesman Beau Tidwell, the Cantrell administration will review the changes ordered by the governor order before implementing them in the city.

“We’ve had to make decisions based on what the data is here,” said Tidwell. “In some instances, that’s meant either more caution or a slightly different level of restriction.” Tidwell went on to point out that last week New Orleans loosened some restrictions on indoor and outdoor gathering sizes.

As an early COVID-19 hotspot, New Orleans has often implemented stronger restrictions than those required at the state level.