The Acadiana Planning Commission has issued a statement, asking people to forego the traditional holiday events this weekend:
“The Acadiana Planning Commission strongly recognizes and appreciates that our region proudly proclaims its Christian values, beliefs, and traditions. Indeed, we are about to celebrate perhaps the most cherished holiday for Christians. Our celebration embraces both secular and non-secular activities which we hold dear. These include events such as family and neighborhood gatherings commencing on Good Friday, Easter Egg hunts throughout the weekend, and attendance at beautiful and invigorating worship services on Sunday.
"Unfortunately, this year our world is much different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we see this virus began to spread in our rural communities at an alarming rate, the Board of Directors for the Acadiana Planning Commission urges our residents to resist engaging in the gatherings and activities to which we have grown accustomed at this time of year. We must continue to practice social distancing, limit our gatherings to only those in our household, and adhere to all of the other measures which have been imposed in order to stymie the spread of COVID-19.
"We at the Acadiana Planning Commission are certain that life will be back to normal in the near future. We are confident that next year we will be able to celebrate Easter as we have grown accustomed to except that we will undoubtedly savor our opportunity to enjoy our family, friends, and to worship at our chosen churches. Stay safe, and happy Easter to all."