BATON ROUGE, La. – Gov. John Bel Edwards today signed a proclamation that closes all K-12 public schools starting March 16, and halts any gatherings of 250 or more people effective immediately through April 13.
“We are at an inflection point now and we are going to take bold action to minimize the further spread of this illness. That is why I am issuing this order today, ending all events of more than 250 people, closing our schools, and reducing the amount of face-to-face public interaction at state government buildings,” Gov. Edwards said. “In a separate executive order, I will grant Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s request to move our upcoming elections for April and May to June and July. The limits on gatherings of 250 people or more statewide is based on federal CDC guidance given the community spread which we are currently experiencing. These steps are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana from the risk of COVID-19.”
The Governor will discuss the decision at a 3 p.m. joint press conference with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell at New Orleans City Hall.
