The Gov. John Bel Edwards has recently released an update to his public health emergency proclamation. Most of these updates were pretty in line with what we’ve seen around the country, but the one that might affect citizens of Webster parish more directly is that restaurants are no longer allowed to serve patrons on site.
“Restaurants will be closed to patrons eating on site. Take-out, drive-through and delivery orders are allowed,” the press release read.
Other additions to the emergency proclamation include: gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people, casinos and bars will be closed, and movie theaters will be closed.
These changes are effective statewide at midnight. Operations may be able to resume on April 13, however, the situation will be reevaluated seven days prior.
“More aggressive steps are necessary to fight the spread of COVID-19 across Louisiana. Following additional guidance from the CDC, gatherings of more than 50 people are no longer permitted, bars and casinos must close and restaurants will only be able to offer take out or delivery,” Gov. Edwards said. “These limitations were difficult to make, but they are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the health of Louisianans and flatten the curve,” the press release read.
“What we’re learning is that it can take two weeks for symptoms to appear. We believe we are still unearthing community spread that’s been around for the past several weeks, which means it is a statewide problem that requires statewide solutions,” Gov. Edwards said. “In addition to meeting with Sen. Bill Cassidy this morning who is supportive of our efforts, I was also on a call with President Trump and Vice President Pence that lasted more than an hour and they were very clear that we must significantly expand our mitigation efforts to slow the progress of COVID-19 before there is more community spread. Action must be taken now, even in areas where there are no confirmed cases yet.”