Louisiana is taking a step back and moving to a modified Phase Two through the end of the year, which means most bars will have to close and most businesses will have to reduce maximum capacity from 75 to 50-percent. The new restrictions go into effect today.

And with hospitalizations and coronavirus cases on the rise, the governor continues to make the case to not have Thanksgiving celebrations with extended family members and with rain in the forecast tomorrow for south Louisiana it will be harder to hold those gatherings…
cut 3 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Louisiana Health Department expects to begin receiving the first COVID vaccine by mid-December. Stacy Hall, Director of the Office of Public Health Immunization Program says they are waiting on guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on who gets vaccinated first.
Cut 10 (11) “…top two.”
Hall says another priority group is those with preexisting conditions and most likely to succumb to the virus.

Despite warnings from health and government officials not to gather in large groups, millions of people will travel today to their Thanksgiving destination. AAA anticipates at least a 10-percent drop in travel compared to the previous year. Spokesperson Don Redman says auto travel is expected to decrease by four percent…
cut 8 (09) “….76-percent”

Governor Edwards says due to the state’s surging COVID case numbers we will be moving back to a “modified” Phase Two. Edwards says the new restrictions are very similar to what we had for most of the summer.

Cut 12 (11) “..maximum” 

Bars will be banned from operating in any parish with a greater than five percent positivity rate, down from the current ten percent limit. functionally closing nearly all bars. Stadium capacity at sporting events will be limited to 25 percent.

The order takes effect Wednesday and will last until at least December 23^rd, but Edwards warns he’s likely to extend the order through the end of the year.

Cut 14 (13) “..before us” 

As Thanksgiving approaches many are attempting to get tested in advance for COVID so they can enjoy a traditional holiday gathering, however, Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says nothing is foolproof when it comes to the coronavirus.

Cut 9 (12) “…still risk”

Senator Bill Cassidy becomes the first member of the Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation to publicly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s win. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says as more states certify their results and Biden’s electoral vote lead grows it’s only a manner of days, or at most weeks before most of the rest of the delegation joins Cassidy.

Cut 8 (11) “..same.”

Governor Edwards moves the state back into a “modified Phase Two” that restricts most businesses to 50 percent capacity, closes nearly all bars, and cuts down on stadium capacity in areas that were allowed to have up to 50 percent previously…

Cut 13 (07) “…required”

A maximum of 75 people will be allowed at indoor events, with a maximum of 150 people allowed at outdoor events. The order takes effect Wednesday and will last until at least December 23^rd.

Senator Bill Cassidy becomes the first of Louisiana’s Republican Congressional Delegation members to concede that Joe Biden won the presidential race. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says he’s not surprised Cassidy was the first…

Cut 6 (09) “…pragmatism.”

Many are trying to get a rapid COVID test before Thanksgiving dinner and forgo advice from health officials to not gather outside their immediate household. Brooke Thorington has more

cut 2 (29) … I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

The weather forecast for Thanksgiving looks like it will be rainy for much of the state Thursday. Because of this Governor Edwards is asking people to cancel all Thanksgiving gatherings with people outside of your immediate household, even if you planned out a socially distanced outdoor event. Once the rain begins falling it is likely people will flock indoors where transmission is 20 times more likely than outdoors.

Governor Edwards says due to the state’s surging COVID case numbers we will be moving back to a “modified” Phase Two.

Edwards says the new restrictions are very similar to what we had for most of the summer.

Cut 12 (11) “..maximum” 

Bars will be banned from operating in any parish with a greater than five percent positivity rate, down from the current ten percent limit. functionally closing nearly all bars. Stadium capacity at sporting events will be limited to 25 percent.

Many are attempting to a rapid test before Thanksgiving… however, Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says no test is 100 percent accurate. Dr. Kanter says the best thing is to celebrate with immediate household only and he’s following his own advice.

Cut 11 (13) “….next year.”

Those who are traveling by car for Thanksgiving will find prices lower at the pump this year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.84 at the pump. Redman says it’s all about demand, which is much less than in years past for Thanksgiving, due to the pandemic and fledgling economy.

Cut 4 (10)   “…pretty low.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy becomes the first member of the Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation to publicly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s win by tweeting“I voted for President Trump, but Joe Biden won. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says there’s little political downside to conceding at this point.

Cut 7 (09) “..legitimately.”

Cassidy strolled to reelection for another six-year term on November 3^rd, winning 59 percent of the vote.

Governor John Bel Edwards is set to speak at this hour about the rising number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. The governor’s office says the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report for Louisiana says aggressive testing should be combined with significant behavior change of all Americans.

Senator Bill Cassidy tweets “I voted for President Trump, but Joe Biden won. The transition should begin for the sake of the country.” Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “ I’m Matt Doyle”

If you are traveling for this Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll find the lowest gas prices for a Thanksgiving holiday in five years. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.84 at the pump.
Cut 3 (07) “…by vehicle.”
Redman says it’s all about demand, which is much less than in years past for Thanksgiving, due to the pandemic and fledgling economy.

There are many people who are taking rapid coronavirus tests before meeting up with family for the holiday weekend. Assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter, says there are several types of rapid tests for COVID, but it doesn’t guarantee that the virus will not spread at your gathering…
cut 10 (09) “…on testing”
Kanter encourages the public to celebrate Thanksgiving. with immediate household members only.

COVID cases are surging in Louisiana, with 2,111 confirmed new cases being reported today by the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor John Bel Edwards is scheduled to speak at 230 on the rising case count, and address a White House Coronavirus Task Force report for the state that has us in the red for overall case growth.

Due to this the state is asking people not to gather outside their household for Thanksgiving. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says that means even if you’ve received a negative rapid test.

Cut 9 (12) “…still risk” (Cut at 3 seconds in)

That task force report included language that calls for “significant behavior change” amongst Louisiana residents, mandatory mask usage in public, and a “significant reduction in capacity” for businesses. It notes half of all parishes have high, uncontrolled levels of community spread. The state has also more than doubled the number of new cases it has per 100,000 residents this week as compared to last week.

Senator Bill Cassidy becomes the first member of the Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation to publicly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s win. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says  as more states certify their results and Biden’s electoral vote lead grows it’s only a manner of days, or at most weeks before most of the rest of the delegation joins Cassidy.

Cut 8 (11) “..same.”

Biden appears set for 306 electoral votes.

Gas prices continue to stay under two dollars across the state, with the average for a gallon in Louisiana at just 1.84. AAA spokesperson Don Redman expects gas prices to continue to drop but says predicting the price heading into next spring could be tough.

Cut 5  (12) “…get to it” 

Senator Bill Cassidy becomes the first member of the Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation to publicly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s win. Cassidy tweeted “I voted for President Trump, but Joe Biden won. The transition should begin for the sake of the country.” ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy has always been pragmatic.

Cut 6 (09) “…pragmatism.”

Cassidy also tweeted that the Trump campaign has not presented the kind of evidence of mass voter fraud needed to change the results of the election.

If you’re driving to meet the family for Thanksgiving you’ll be enjoying some of the lowest gas prices in years, and 40 cents a gallon lower than it was last year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says it’s the pandemic economy…

Cut 4 (10)   “…pretty low.”  

Healthcare officials and the Governor are begging residents not to meet up with family outside their household for Thanksgiving as the state reports another 2,120 confirmed positive COVID cases today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

It’s the time of year when many are traveling over the river and thru the woods to gather for Thanksgiving, and those traveling via automobile are seeing the lowest gas prices in years. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the average price a gallon in Louisiana is $1.84 at the pump.

Cut 3 (07)  “…by vehicle.”

The Krewe of Bacchus will roll virtually next year, and fans of the big New Orleans parade will be able to follow along on February 14th on an app that will also allow them to catch throws. Bacchus captain Clark Brennan says after you catch throws virtually, you’ll collect your stash in person, even utilize curbside pick-up.

Cut 14 (09) “…the den.” 

The app is called “Throw Me Something Bacchus!” and will be available for download Jan. 6th.

Some school system leaders are frustrated with the state’s policy of quarantining any student who has “close contact” with a confirmed COVID case for two weeks. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state has surpassed one-thousand coronavirus patients in the hospital. It’s the first time since August that Louisiana hospitals have had this large of a coronavirus patient count. The state reported 24 more deaths Monday bringing the death toll to 6,039. Governor Edwards holds a COVID media briefing at 2:30 today.

Some school system leaders say the state’s policy of 14-day quarantines for students who had “close contact” with someone who tested positive for COVID goes too far. EvenBossier City Representative Raymond Crews says the over-zealous policy is detrimental to a student’s long-term education and social health.

Cut 6 (09) “…school”

LDH is not recommending any changes to the policy.

President-elect Joe Biden has picked LSU grad and Baker native Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the next U-S ambassador to the United Nations. LSU alumnus and famed Democratic political consultant James Carville says Thomas-Greenfield is a great role model for LSU students…

cut 11 (07) “…living proof”

The Louisiana Hospital Association is asking the public to do its part to help keep COVID infections down over the Thanksgiving weekend. Our Lady of the Lake Pulmonologist Doctor Abdulla Moosa says not only are we seeing post-holiday spikes in cases but this year the gathering around the table increases the chances of spreading COVID to family members

Cut 8 (10) “…people’s houses.”

The Krewe of Bacchus will roll virtually in 2021 and fans of the big New Orleans parade will be able to follow along on February 14th on an app that will also allow them to catch throws. Bacchus captain Clark Brennan on how the free smartphone app will entertain revelers.

Cut 13 (09) “…silver doubloons.”

The “Throw Me Something Bacchus!”smartphone app will be available on Jan. 6th.