Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards released the following statement in response to Judge Janice Clark’s ruling in the 19th Judicial District to uphold the mask mandate, bar restrictions and limits on gatherings to no more than 50 that he implemented on July 11 in response to the impact of COVID-19 statewide.
“I am pleased that Judge Clark upheld the critical mitigation measures I put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana and to protect and save lives. The evidence is clear that mask mandates and bar closures work. Not only have they been proven effective in other states and countries, but 24 days into our own bar closure to on-site consumption and mask mandate our data is showing early signs of improvements in terms of decreasing reports of COVID-like illness, new cases and hospitalizations. What we are doing is necessary, and what we are doing is working. Further, my orders are fully consistent with the constitution and statutory authority I have as governor to protect our people during a public health emergency.
“Taking strong mitigation measures like closing businesses and mandating masks was not an easy decision, but it was data-driven and based on the recommendations of public health experts and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, which has designated Louisiana as a red zone state. That means for states like ours with a high incidence of the virus and a high percent positivity rate statewide, bar restrictions and mask mandates are strongly recommended by the White House. We have had the most cases per capita in the country, and there is more COVID-19 in our state now than ever, which is why I will continue to let science and data drive my decisions when it comes to the health and safety of the people of Louisiana. This is how we will be able to open as much of our economy as possible without overwhelming our capacity to deliver life-saving health care in our hospitals.”
