Governor Edwards Gives Impassioned Plea to Louisiana Residents

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana saw a total of 21,543 new cases of COVID-19 this week. And, according to their statistics, this one of the worst weeks for new cases since the start of the pandemic. There have also been 84 deaths attributed to COVID-19 this week in the state.

In light of this and with Louisiana being labeled a "state of concern" by the feds, the Governor gave an impassioned plea to residents in Louisiana. He is urging everyone to mask up and to get vaccinated. Edwards says that the simplest and easiest way to make sure there are no more restrictions or mandates for Louisiana is for people to get vaccinated. "Run, don't walk to get vaccinated", the Governor said.

The Governor also said that while more residents get more vaccinated, which he did note was increasing around the state, residents whether vaccinated or not should mask up. The Governor said he is considering a mask mandate and other restrictions, but at the moment, it's just a strongly worded recommendation. "It's not about should we wear a mask or get vaccinated, right now we need to do both," the Governor said. Edwards said those recommendations are coming from both state doctors and the CDC.

Earlier today, the Governor's Office announced that many state's 40,000 workers would return to working remotely due to the "Delta variant" surge.

You can watch the Governor's full press conference below.

This is a sharp turn for Governor Edwards, who just a few weeks ago, announced that he was not considering any new mandates or restrictions and gave an impassioned speech about the state needing the tourism business to get back on its feet.