Gov. John Bel Edwards is raising concerns over the recent increase in coronavirus hospitalizations and community spread just days before he’s set to make a decision about a possible third phase of reopening.
There have been 4,200 new cases reported across the state since June 10, and officials from the Louisiana Department of Health say that increase can’t be pinned on more testing.
Alex Billioux of the LDH said the Acadiana region is experiencing an alarming increase in cases and hospitalizations — perhaps the most important “gating criteria” for the further loosening of restrictions.
Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas are seeing a resurgence of the virus. State health officials say Louisiana could be headed down the same path unless residents rededicate themselves to the social distancing measures that helped slow the spread of the virus through late April and May.
The slides from Gov. Edwards’ Thursday briefing can be found here.
