Gov John Bel Edwards held a press conference on the COVID-19 response in the state.
On Friday more than 3,000 cases were reported. Edwards says that new cases rising sharply across Louisiana and in all regions of the state.
"Statewide positivty is going up" , Edwards said, "this doesn't just happen." He pointed out that celebrations including Halloween saw large gatherings which would correlate to a spike in cases. Edwards also mentioned the petition that was signed by legislators which has now been ruled unconstitutional that caused confusion among residents. The guidance and Edwards orders remain in place.
"I think it is also fair to say that we have seen an increase in private social gatherings," he stated.
Edwards said that states around Louisiana have opened additional hospitals and provided mobile morgues as a result of spikes in the US.
"We have to start doing what we know works to slow the spread of the virus," Edwards said.
Edwards stated that the state does not have to go back to phase 2 or 1. He did say that what residents do now could prevent that from being necessary. He stressed mitigation measures such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and staying socially distance when possible.
He asked for everyone to step up and help keep numbers down.
"It isn't asking too much," he said.
The LDH dashboard as of Friday has been changed to show a breakdown on testing totals. For more information on that, click here.
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