State Schools Closed to Prevent Coronavirus Spread

The state is taking action to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed a proclamation to immediately stop any gathering of more than 250 people until Monday, April 13. It closes all K-12 public schools statewide effective Monday, March 16 resuming Monday, April 13, as Louisiana seeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. As of mid-day Friday, March 13 Louisiana has 33 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19.

Governor John Bell Edwards says “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.” “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 are 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.”

Read this proclamation here.