In just a few hours, Louisiana is going back into phase two of coronavirus restrictions.
The governor's emergency proclamation will bring us back to a point we haven't been since early September, but there are a few differences this time around.
Masks and social distancing aren't going anywhere in this "new" phase two, but for some businesses, like bars, there is some wiggle room, and business owners will be watching Wednesday's data from the Department of Health.
Under the governor's new order, bars in parishes that have a percent positivity rate of 5% or greater for two weeks in a row have to close for indoor business. With this new order, they will be allowed to serve a maximum of 50 customers outdoors.
Here in Acadiana, every parish's most recent percent positivity rate was greater than 5%.
"We are in for a rough patch. The degree to which we flatten the curve, whether or not we're successful, is going to depend upon what every Louisianian does,” said Governor John Bel Edwards.
The governor's order comes as hospitalizations climb to levels we haven't seen since mid-August and days before the start of the holiday season.
"Just looking at the patterns I think it was a good move,” said Lafayette resident Chase Cormier.
The governor is urging everyone to make significant changes this holiday season.
"We're not going to take in out-of-state family. We have family from Texas and we're not going to invite them, even though we want to see them. With COVID it's not really ideal,” UL Lafayette student Danie Brown commented.
"I'm probably the exception though. I know a lot of people, despite the rise in cases, will be hanging out with family,” Cormier added.
Phase 2 goes into effect Wednesday and is set to expire December 23rd.
Read more about the modified Phase 2 here.
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