Governor John Bel Edwards is tightening restrictions on the public in an effort to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Edwards is making masks mandatory across the state in parishes where the disease has begun spreading rapidly in recent days. Edwards said the restrictions will be in effect beginning one minute after midnight Monday morning.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by the Governor scheduling a Saturday news conference with a relatively short notice to the news media.  The notice of the 2:30 news conference was only distributed to the media at 11:49 Saturday morning.

Red River, West Feliciana and Grant parishes are the only parishes in the state with a low rate of virus spread.  Edwards said that these parishes may decide to notify GOSHEP that they will not require wearing of masks.

Edwards said he would sign a new proclamation on Saturday to put in place these new restrictions.  Edwards said all bars would be closed to on premises consumption.  Curbside service would still be available.

In addition, inside gatherings would be limited to 50 persons.  Edwards said,” A large contributor to the spread is informal backyard gatherings like birthdays, wedding receptions, showers, and the like.  Your close neighbors and friends still can get Covid.  Keep gatherings small, physically distance, hold outdoors and wear masks.”