Edwards extends state health emergency, thanks to Omicron

Gov. John Bel Edwards has extended Louisiana’s Public Health Emergency order related to COVID-19, including a provision allowing all state government agencies to require mask-wearing, given the fast-spreading Omicron variant, which is now the dominant strain in the United States and Louisiana, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
State agencies in the Governor’s Cabinet will begin requiring masks of employees and visitors.
“While vaccines and booster doses are the strongest tools we have in the fight against COVID, public health experts also agree that masks are an important way to slow the spread of the Omicron variant now,” Edwards said. “This means you should be masking indoors around people who aren’t in your household.
“While it is concerning to still see rising cases, as President Joe Biden noted – we have come a long way since March 2020. Around 50 percent of Louisianans have already been vaccinated and are much more protected against COVID than they have ever been. The more than 460,000 Louisianans who have already taken a booster dose have even stronger protection.
“Now more than ever it is important that everyone get vaccinated or, if they are eligible, take a COVID booster.”
The governor cited CDC data that found that unvaccinated people are 10 times more likely to test positive for COVID and 20 times more likely to die from COVID than fully vaccinated people who also have gotten booster shots
“Simply put, one of the riskiest things you can be in Louisiana right now is unvaccinated,” Edwards said. “You’re signing up for the potential of severe illness, hospitalization or something even worse.”
While many people are vaccinated, only around a quarter of eligible Louisianans have their booster doses.
In addition to the Governor’s public health order, the Louisiana Department of Health has issued revised recommendations and guidance for Louisianans (gov.louisiana.gov) during the holiday season, particularly if they are traveling. These include getting vaccines and boosters, masking indoors around people who aren’t in your household and getting tested regularly. In addition, any person who has COVID symptoms should get tested and stay in quarantine to avoid spreading illness to others.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
People with COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and get tested.
There are COVID-19 test sites throughout Louisiana. Visit ldh.la.gov/covidtesting (gov.louisiana.gov) or call 211 to find a test site near you.
As a reminder, all community-based sites operated by the Louisiana National Guard will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.