Louisiana moves back to modified Phase 2 as coronavirus surges, bars in most parishes to close

Facing a surge of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations ahead of Thanksgiving, Gov. John Bel Edwards on Tuesday said he would move Louisiana back into a modified version of Phase 2, ordering many bars to close and most businesses back to 50% occupancy through the end of the year.

Edwards said gatherings will be limited to 75 indoors and 150 outdoors. Restaurants, retailers and other businesses will move from 75% to 50% occupancy. Bars in parishes with over 5% test positivity must close to indoor consumption unless they have a restaurant conditional permit, in which case they can operate at 50%. The order goes into effect Wednesday, ahead of a Thanksgiving holiday that health experts worry will power the spread of the virus to unheard-of levels as families and friends gather for in-person celebrations.

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