State of Louisiana Updates:
As of March 16, 2022, the Louisiana COVID public health emergency order is no longer in effect, as announced by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards on March 14, 2022. For more detailed information, click here.
MASK MANDATE
On October 26th, 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the statewide mask mandate will no longer be in effect as of October 27, 2021. Masks are still recommended when indoors, and outdoors when 6 ft. social distancing is not possible. Face masks should properly cover the wearer’s mouth and nose and are recommended indoors at all times unless a person is in their own home.
Masks are still mandated by federal regulation on public transportation and in health care facilities. They are not mandated in most places, including government buildings, college and university campuses and businesses. School districts may opt out of the mask mandate if they choose to, but only if they can continue to adhere to CDC quarantine guidance.
As of October 28th, 2021, masks are highly recommended but not required in St. Tammany Parish public schools. Masks are still required for children and adults on school buses by federal regulation.
The CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly encourage indoor mask wearing in public for all persons aged two and older, especially for those not yet eligible for the COVID vaccine.
For complete details and guidance on masking, click here to view the Governor’s Updated Public Health Emergency Order and Mask Recommendations.
EVENT GATHERINGS
Louisiana Department of Health additionally issued guidance to the public about large event gatherings during the fourth surge of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including ways to lower risk for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
LDH recommends:
- Limiting the size of indoor gatherings, moving events outdoors, or hosting meetings and events virtually to reduce the likelihood of COIVD-19 spread.
- All participants of indoor meetings and events should be masked.
- People with underlying health conditions that make them more likely to have severe COVID complications should avoid nonessential trips outside of the home.
- Event hosts and facilities should practice strong sanitation and hygiene practices and provide hand sanitizer for those who need it.
- Spaces should be staged to accommodate at least six feet of distance between guests.
