Louisiana to remain in Phase 2 of reopening as COVID-19 cases rise

The U.S. state of Louisiana will not enter less restrictive Phase 3 of reopening the economy as scheduled, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state, Governor John Bel Edwards said Monday. During a press conference Monday afternoon, the governor said the current Phase 2 will continue for another 28 days to slow down the spread of the virus. According to the previous schedule, Phase 2 should end on June 26 and then the state will enter Phase 3.

"Louisiana reached two sad milestones today as we surpassed 3,000 deaths and 50,000 positive tests in our state," said Edwards.

"As we see more people testing positive and admitted to hospitals, we simply are not ready to move to the next phase, and ease restrictions further as businesses open widely," he added.

Louisiana ranked seventh out of 23 states across the United States experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases as of Monday, local media reported.