Louisiana Extends Coronavirus Restrictions 2 Weeks

Louisiana has extended phase 2 of its reopening plan as the state sees a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths, The Advocate reported.

Gov. John Bel Edwards made the announcement Tuesday, saying the state's rate of infection is second in the country behind New York.

"We still have a lot of COVID-19 in Louisiana – more than we want," he told reporters.

The rate of infection in the state had been around 10%, but has spiked to 15.46%, officials said.

Louisiana reported 1,691 more cases Tuesday, for a total of 96,583.

The extension will continue to limit restaurants, barbershops, retailers, and churches to 50% capacity and keep the statewide facemask mandate in place.

"We are seeing a high percent of new tests coming back as positive, increased hospitalizations over the past 14 days and a high incidence rate across the state, which means Louisiana is not ready to move to Phase Three," Edwards said in an official statement.

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