Following almost six weeks of improvements in Louisiana’s COVID case counts and a sustained decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced today that Louisiana will move forward to Phase 3. This will bring most COVID restrictions back to where they were last September. Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate, which has been in place since last July, will remain in place. The Governor’s new order will last for 28 days and will expire March 31, 2021.

Overall, Louisiana’s percent positivity for COVID-19 tests is 5 percent, one third of the positivity rate six weeks ago. The state has completed more than 6 million COVID tests and administered more than 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.

“Since we stepped back into more increased restrictions more than three months ago, the goal has been to slow the spread and avoid overwhelming our hospitals, which we have done thanks to the hard work of many Louisianans,” Gov. Edwards said. “These Phase 3 restrictions will keep some common sense and lifesaving limitations in place while we work to continue keeping the case counts down and administering the vaccines to as many Louisianans as quickly as we can.

“As we are cautiously reducing some of the restrictions related to slowing the spread of COVID, it is even more critical that people take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them. This includes wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, washing their hands frequently, staying home when they are sick or have been exposed and getting the vaccine when it is their turn. The last several weeks have been full of hopeful milestones, including a third COVID vaccine and the state administering more than one million doses. But we also know that COVID variants, which we know are more contagious, are active in Louisiana. In nearly a year of battling this pandemic, we have lost almost 10,000 of our fellow Louisianans, and many people have suffered greatly. It is incumbent upon all of us to do our part to help put this pandemic behind us and save lives.”

The majority of businesses, including restaurants and salons, will be able to move to 75 percent of their capacity and indoor gatherings and event centers will be capped at 50 percent of their capacity but limited to 250 people. Religious services will no longer have capacity limits, social distancing is strongly encouraged and masking will still be required.

Gyms and fitness centers will remain at 50 percent of their capacity, based on recent research from the CDC that raises concern about the spread of COVID-19 in these settings. Bars in all parishes will be able to open for indoor service at 25 percent capacity, not to exceed 250 people, but those in parishes where the percent positivity is 5 percent or lower for two consecutive weeks may have indoor service at 50 percent capacity, not to exceed 250 people. Alcohol sales still must end at 11 p.m. and no one younger than 21 years old can enter a bar. Patrons must be masked at all times except when consuming food or drink, and they must be served at socially distanced tables.

Live music will be allowed indoors under additional guidance provided by the State Fire Marshal. Indoor gatherings may operate at 50 percent capacity with a cap of 250 people. Outdoor events may operate at 50 percent of their capacity, with no cap on attendance, but six feet of social distancing must be practiced. Conventions, conferences, indoor sporting events and fairs and festivals may operate at up to 50 percent capacity with six feet of social distancing required, if they receive approval from the State Fire Marshal and the Louisiana Department of Health. Strict masking continues to be required for all gatherings and events.

• Click HERE to read the Governor’s new Phase 3 order.
• Click HERE to review the data about COVID incidence statewide.

SHARING FOR ANOTHER AGENCY:

​If you or anyone you know would like to be tested for COVID-19, the Louisiana National Guard is providing free COVID-19 testing in front of Bollinger Memorial Student Union.

Testing is open to the public and takes place from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

If you have previously been tested, it is okay and even encouraged to retest for current results.

To receive a free test, you must provide a telephone number or email address. Photo ID is not required.

​Registration is not required but will help speed up the process.

Tests are available for all Louisiana residents ages five (5) and older. Children under the age of 16 must have a guardian present.

​Quest Diagnostics will process the tests and provide them through email or through the patient portal on their website. Results will be available to patients within three (3) to five (5) days of testing.

​Contact tracers will reach out to individuals who test positive by telephone. They will call those individuals from the telephone number: 877-766-2130.

During the call, they will connect you to resources available to help you safely quarantine.

Get your test results by phone:

Call 1.866.MYQUEST. Note that wait times can be lengthy.

Get your test results through MyQuest™:
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Your test results will be sent to you through the secure MyQuest online portal or app.

​If you don’t have MyQuest, see the steps below to create an account:

1. Sign up for MyQuest by clicking HERE, or download the MyQuest app.

2. Check your email for a message from Quest. Click the link to confirm your email address.

3. Log in to your MyQuest account using the username and password that you chose when you signed up.

4. Select the “Verify Your Identity” option. Accept the Patient Authorization (HIPAA Authorization).

5. Complete the Identity Verification Process.
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6. You’re set! You will now get your Quest Diagnostics test results through your MyQuest account.

This test has not been FDA cleared or approved.

This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories.

This test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.

This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b) (1),​ unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

On Saturday, April 25, 2020, Lafourche Parish Government will distribute cloth face masks donated by Haynes Corporation at six (6) locations throughout the parish. The distribution will occur at set locations shown in the image below from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM or until the supply runs out. Each car will be given one pack, containing five masks. The masks are washable and can be reused. #COVID19 #LafourcheStrong

Click HERE for more information.