New coronavirus restrictions on businesses and gatherings go into effect today as the state is experiencing a third surge of COVID-19 cases across all regions of Louisiana. The modified Phase Two as Governor John Bel Edwards calls it, means non-essential businesses like restaurants and retail stores must reduce maximum capacity from 75 to 50-percent. Gatherings will be limited to 75 people indoors and outdoors 150.

Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says these toughened restrictions are needed as COVID hospitalizations have doubled since early October and health care capacity has been stretched thin…
cut 28 (14) “…up stairs”

The Louisiana Health Department is expecting to receive its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines in mid-December. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require cold storage and Director of the Office of Public Health Immunization Program Stacy Hall says they have already tested protocols for distribution…
cut 12 (10) “….the state”
The Pfizer vaccine is expected to receive FDA approval in mid-December.

Turkeys will be cooking in kitchens across the state tomorrow. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says instead of relying on visual cues to determine when your bird is cooked, use a food thermometer…
cut 6 (11) “…breast”