LA GOV LIFTS MASKS MANDATE- Louisiana is emerging from its latest and worst coronavirus spike of the pandemic and seeing a sharp decline in new COVID-19 infections. Yesterday Governor John Bel Edwards announced during a press conference that he is lifting the mask requirement for grocery stores, restaurants, bars, retailers, colleges and other sites. But some of Louisiana’s K-12 schools will have to keep masking if they don't follow tight quarantine rules.
"It will remain in place for K-12 schools, except that school districts and non-public schools can opt out of the mask mandate but only by following CDC guidance as outlined by the department of health with respect to quarantine and isolation," Edwards explained.
That CDC quarantine guidance includes separating exposed students and faculty members from others to avoid outbreaks on campus. According to the Louisiana Department of Health – so far this year there have been more than 22,000 confirmed covid cases among Louisiana’s K-12 students and over 3600 faculty and staff have been infected.
Even though Local school systems may opt-out from mask-wearing, faculty and students can still wear masks if they choose to do so. Masks will still be required on public transportation and in medical facilities. Private Businesses may still require mask wearing if they choose to do so.
The lift of the mask mandate comes as Covid19 boosters are just now available and Louisiana ranks 34th among states with people fully vaccinated. Edwards urged people who have health risks to exercise caution as many people still have yet to receive a vaccine.
"If you're one of these people that need to be masked indoors please make sure that you're masked," Edwards said. "Everyone hasn't has time from right now to be fully-vaccinated before Christmas." Even though he’s lifting the mask mandate, Edwards maintained that the Pandemic isn’t over as he and Health officials have expressed concern as cooler temperatures approach along with the upcoming holiday season which means more people gathering indoors. Health officials urge people to practice good hand hygiene, wearing masks in close quarters, social distancing, and getting vaccinated. Louisiana’s lifting of the mask mandate take effect today.
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