Governor Edwards Says to Prepare For a ‘Phase 2′ Christmas
A lot of the country can expect a White Christmas this year. Us, we're not that lucky. But one thing we should probably expect this holiday season is a 'Phase 2' Christmas. Because, according to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, he's more than likely not going to relax any restrictions before the end of the year. In fact, he says he's just hoping not to add any additional restrictions between now and then.
The new Phase 2 order that John Bel put in place last week expires on December 23rd, which gave people the hope that they could have some sort of normal holiday. However, the Governor is saying that's probably not likely.
During a press conference last week, the Governor said "I don't want to create the expectation that on Dec. 23 it is likely we'll reduce restrictions a couple of days before Christmas." He went on to say "I just hope, I pray and I believe we won't have to put in more restrictions on Dec. 23 or before." John Bel went on to say that the only way to avoid more restrictions, penalties and mitigation procedures is by wearing a mask and following the COVID restrictions that are currently in place.
The Governor has gone on record numerous times since the Phase 2 order went into place that most, if not all, of the current restrictions will remain in place until a vaccine is widely available for the public. He's also noted that he doesn't believe that life will begin returning to normal until late spring or early summer 2021.
In addition to the statewide restrictions, last week, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced that the city will not be issuing any permits for Mardi Gras parades or any large public gatherings. While it wasn't explicitly stated in the Mayor's statement, the general feeling was that this edict will remain in place until a vaccine is widely available.