St. Martin Parish president Chester Cedars asks bar owners to be cognizant of parish's rising percent positivity and the third surge of COVID-19.
In a statement posted to the St. Martin Parish Government page, Cedars said that their has been a disturbing upward trend in the number of COVID-19 cases.
As those cases continue to rise, so does percent positivity.
Following the Governor's current Executive Order, Cedars says that bars in the parish would close again to on premises consumption of food or drinks if the parish's percent positivity exceeded 10 percent for two consecutive weeks.
St. Martin Parish's positivity rates since September 30, 2020, have been:
- October 7: 3.6%
- October 14: 5.0%
- October 21: 8.2%
- October 28: 11.3%
- November 10: 9.8%
- November 18: 12.0%
Cedars says he is fearful that next Wednesday, when positivity rates are released, the parish's percentage will be in excess of 10 percent and prompt the ATC to close bars.
He says he felt compelled to advise the public of the issue and request that all bar owners and employees be mindful of this situation especially in view of the data provided by the Louisiana Department of Health.
"This is not the time to close down," Cedars said. "But rather to mask up and lather up while we social distance in small, controlled crowds."
To read more of Cedars' statement and that data, click here.
An excerpt from Cedars' statement is below:
I have not changed my posture. Indeed, what has occurred subsequently has buttressed my position. However, I strongly and emphatically accept what medical science defines for us, without substantial credible dissent, what steps should be adopted to abate the alarming rising spread of the virus:
- Wear a mask
- Social Distance
- Follow personal hygienic recommendations such as frequent hand washing
- Avoid large crowds, especially relative to indoor activities
This is not the time to close down, but rather to mask up and lather up while we social distance in small, controlled crowds.
These measures worked previously as we witnessed in late July, August, September, and most of October-all while we were increasing our activities and enduring several storms. There is no cogent reason they will not be and cannot be successful again.
I conclude by noting that my comments are not arbitrary conclusions. Rather, they are based on sound, medical advice which mirrors the posture of the medical professionals who we trust every day to treat us and our loved ones. This is not the time to fall prey to those who urge us to rebel simply because of ideological affiliations. The medical data on this matter is without credible opposition. I am reminded of these remarks I encountered several months ago:
“I wear a mask because if the experts are correct, I could potentially prevent someone from getting sick and dying. If the experts are wrong, the most I’m out is the inconvenience of wearing a piece of fabric on my face.”
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
