Most businesses can operate at full capacity today as a result of updated guidelines put out by the governor’s office. The new order ends an eleven PM alcohol curfew and restaurants can have full occupancy. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state’s hospitality industry has taken it on the chin, so hopefully, the updated guidelines can help re-start the tourism industry.
New Orleans is easing COVID-19 restrictions for all indoor and outdoor gatherings but won’t be going as far as the rest of Louisiana.
According to a statement from the Mayor’s office, all indoor gatherings will be limited to 150 people and all outdoor gatherings will be limited to 250 people as of April 2 and outdoor recreation spaces and sports complexes will be able to host crowds at 50% of their occupancy.
54 percent of those polled by LSU say their own financial situation is the same as it was a year ago, while only 29 percent say it has gotten worse. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says that’s despite 72 percent of the respondents acknowledging the state’s economy is worse off than it was a year ago.
Pfizer announces their COVID vaccine is also effective for children ages 12 to 15. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says while children are not as susceptible to COVID compared to adults, this is a huge step forward towards ending the pandemic.
Clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 with the Pfizer vaccine begin in May.