Gov. Edwards: Louisiana to move to “Phase 3” on Wednesday

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Louisiana will move into a modified version of Phase 3 of reopening the economy beginning Wednesday, March 3, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced during a news conference Tuesday, March 2.

Gov. Edwards says his new executive order for Phase 3 will remain in effect until March 31.

Under Phase 3, businesses such as restaurants and malls can operate at 75% capacity. Gyms can operate at 50% capacity. Bars in all parishes of the state can operate at 25% capacity and at 50% capacity in parishes with coronavirus positivity rates below 5%.

Religious services do not have capacity limits by attendees must follow the statewide mask mandate.

Gatherings at indoor event halls are limited to 50% capacity or up to 250 people.

The governor says legislators and legislative staff will be able to get the COVID vaccine. The administration is working with the Senate President and House Speaker to make sure this happens in advance of the Regular Legislative Session.