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Students and teachers are going to have to wear masks for at least the first couple of weeks of school.

Vermilion Parish School System releases ‘Re-opening Plan’

Thu, 08/05/2021 - 9:14am

Masks required for school

Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Tommy Byler made it official; a mask will have to be worn by everyone when school starts on Aug. 11.
For weeks, Byler hinted that masks were coming because of the rise of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant.
The Vermilion Parish School administration put on its website a 15-page “Re-opening Plan.” The plan outlines what is required from students, parents and employees dealing with COVID-19 guidelines.
Earlier in the week, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a mask mandate for everyone, including youths five years old and older.
Byler, on social media, announced the new mask mandate. He said because the state runs public schools, everyone has to follow the governor’s order.
“I am only the messenger,” Byler said. “You may disagree with it, but our hands are tied. This is where we are today.”
• Masks will be required by students as young as kindergarten. Last school year, the mask mandate was for third graders through 12th graders, plus employees.
• Masks will have to be worn inside the school. However, if a student takes PE or eats outside, masks will not be required.
• Anyone who rides on a school bus will have to wear a mask, according to the mandate. The mandate also includes athletes and band members for after school events.
• The bus windows will be opened, allowing for air flow.
• When outside during football practice or a game, masks will not be required. Entering the school building to undress, a mask is needed.
• Because volleyball matches are inside, masks will be required.
• All masks have to be solid in color. The only words on the masks can only be the school district or the school name.
Change for contact tracing.
• If someone contracts the coronavirus, and those around the person were less than three feet from the person and were not wearing a mask, they have to quarantine for 10 days.
• However, what has changed about being quarantined is that if someone is diagnosed with COVID and a person comes in contact with the COVID person and was wearing a mask and three feet away from the COVID person, they do not have to be quarantined for 10 days, Byler explained.
• Also, if a person is vaccinated and comes in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID and was three feet away from that person and is showing no signs of having COVID, that person does not have to be quarantined.
• Another change is that after six days of being quarantined due to contact tracing, a person showing no signs of COVID can get tested for the virus. If the test result is negative, they can return to school.
Byler said the only way to get out of wearing a mask is to have a medical excuse. Because of a person’s political or religious belief is not a reason not to wear a mask, based on the state and CDC’s guidelines.
“There are 1,600 employees and 9,500 students,” said Byler. “No matter what decision we make, all 11,000 will not agree with the decisions.”

Edward Paul Milliman

Thu, 08/05/2021 - 9:10am

A lifelong resident of Abbeville, Edward Paul Milliman, 65, went on to meet the Lord on August 2, 2021. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends in the home that he built and loved.
Edward was a devoted family man. He and his wife, Karen, celebrated 46 years of marriage in July 2021. Together, they raised their family and lived a contented life centered around their faith in Christ. Eddie, as he was known by his friends, was a kind and gentle man. He was always looking for a joke or prank and a good laugh. Not enough could be said about his friendly demeanor and smile; he never met a stranger.
Eddie was a reliable and diligent worker. He committed 47 years to the oil industry before retiring in 2020. He worked equally as hard on the job as he did at his home and property. Anyone who knows Eddie would say he could never sit still. He always found ways to stay busy on his property with improvements, gardening, mowing his grass, and caring for his chickens. Nothing was trash to him; he could repurpose any old thing to make it useful in some way. Karen would say, “he's always outside piddling around”. If you passed his home in the morning, you’d see him sitting on his porch with his coffee and maybe a fire if the weather was cool enough.
He has two daughters: Marie Taylor of Abbeville and Cassie Mullins of San Antonio, with husband, Brian. Eddie is also “Gampy” to six grandchildren: Lilly Brown, Andie Brown, Aiden Brown, Carter Mullins, Griffin Mullins, and Hayes Mullins. He also leaves behind two siblings: Mona Hebert of Abbeville, with husband Carl, and David Milliman of Ridge.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Andy Milliman and Ethan Milliman; his parents, J.C. and Darnella Milliman; and brother, Joey Milliman.
A memorial service will be held at his church, New Life Church, at 1109 N. Lafitte Road in Abbeville. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm, to be followed by the service and fellowship at 2:00pm.

Corey James Baker

Thu, 08/05/2021 - 9:09am

June 14, 1978 - July 27, 2021

“Gone way too young, my Cajun friend”—a quote by Danny Brinkley Sr of American Legion Post in 343 Redfield , Arkansas where Corey relocated in the fall of 2019 to open a Spring Market-part of the Brookshires Grocery Chain. Just like in Abbeville as manager of Super 1, and Iowa and Lake Arthur as store director of their Spring Markets he connected with the community through acts of service.
Wherever he went people just couldn’t help but fall in love with him.
He deeply and genuinely loved people and lived to help any way he could. A 1996 graduate of Abbeville High School he attended Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana then returned home to marry the love of his life that he now leaves behind, Jessie Gooch with their five children - Whitney, Christian, Caleb, Ruth, and Alice. In 1992 they met at church in the youth group and have had 29 years of being best friends. Jesus, family, and a job well done were priorities for him. The children were his pride and joy. He coached them when they played softball, became a scout leader, played airsoft, paintball, board games, x-box, whatever they were into, so was Corey—maybe just a yoyo but there were moves to be conquered!! He encouraged good hearted competition teaching them to win or lose with dignity. And most of all, he taught them by example that The Word Of God is truth. Taking God at His word and trusting what He has said gives us confidence of Corey’s citizenship now in Heaven.
Corey’s intrinsic love of family perhaps comes from being the baby in a large Cajun family (Choate) from Abbeville and the only son of Al Baker from Pineville in Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his parents Al and Glenda (Choate Redwing) Baker sister Shannon Redwing,
Cousin Ryan Davidson. Maternal grandparents James and Jeanny (Leblanc) Choate, paternal grandparents
Alton Wiley Baker, Sr. And Julia Maureen (Houston) Baker, aunt Rose Baker, uncle Austin Baker. And in-law Donald Gooch.
Surviving relatives include two brothers Shane Redwing (Sarah) and Clint Redwing; four aunts Darlene (Choate) Gachassin of Broussard , La; Gaynelle (Choate) Sherman of Sulphur, Marilyn (Choate) Davidson (Terry)of Abbeville; Ann (Baker) Webster(Tom) of Pineville, Two uncles Jim Choate (Bonnie) Abbeville, Donni Choate (Jodi)of Abbeville. His in laws Jack and Terry (Gooch) Gullick of Erath, Jenn Gooch of Pittsburg, Pa, Jonathan Gooch(Victoria) of Youngsville.
Cousins abound in Cen-La and Acadiana and every one was special to Corey and So many people in his life were considered family even if not kin. Whether or not you knew it Corey was probably praying for you.
Thank you all who were praying for his recovery. We grieve together.

Norma Morgan Luquette

Wed, 08/04/2021 - 8:36am

April 24, 1929 ~ August 3, 2021

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Norma Morgan Luquette, 92, who died Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Matthew Barzare officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Russell Russo, Dustin Landry, Zachary Landry, Michael Luquette, Tyler Broussard and Philip Domingues. Grady Domingues and Timothy Landry will serve as honorary pallbearers.
She is survived by her son, Michael Luquette and his wife, Dana; one daughter, Jeanette L. Landry and her husband, Timothy; one daughter-in-law, Rebecca Bourque Luquette; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Russo and husband, Russell, Jeanne Luquette, Chelsie L. Domingues and husband, Philip, Haley L. Broussard and, husband Tyler, Sydney Luquette, Dustin Landry, and Zachary Landry; four great grandchildren, Alayna Russo, Grady Domingues, Azelie Domingues, John Reista Domingues, Evelyn Broussard and Mark Broussard; one brother, Willie Morgan; and one sister, Gloria Creamer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred Luquette; two sons, Curtis J. Luquette and Wilfred "Gail" Luquette; her parents, Henry Grady Morgan and the former Jeanne Thibodeaux; five brothers, Herman Morgan, Raymond Morgan, Henry "Tiny" Morgan, Jr., Earl Morgan and William "Bill" Morgan; and one sister, Earline M. Callahan.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the services at 2:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 11:00 AM.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Outgoing President Chris Duhon (left) hands new Rotary President Annette Broussard Mudd the Rotary Charter.

Annette Mudd is Rotary Club of Abbeville’s new president

Tue, 08/03/2021 - 11:52am

Annette Broussard Mudd was recently sworn in as new president of the Abbeville Rotary Club.
The Abbeville Meridional sat down with Mudd to get her thoughts on being a Rotarian and what it means to her to be the organization’s president.

Can you give some background information about yourself, including your family?

My parents are both disabled, deaf-mutes - Kenneth and Waldine Broussard. They raised my brother Jason and me to appreciate everything you receive and work hard for the things you want. I am an Abbeville High School Graduate “Class of 1986.” Married to “the love of my life” Joseph “Danny” Mudd for 23 years. We have four beautiful children Ashley, Erika, Joseph Jr and Emily. We own our own business, Affordable Foundation Repair in Abbeville.

How long have you been a Rotarian?

I have been a member for 5 1/2 years.

How did you get involved in Rotary?

I witnessed what Rotary was doing for our community for a few years with friends that were Rotarians. I volunteered to help with a few projects, and it was then I knew Rotary was for me. Giving back is in my blood. I was hooked!

What do you like best about being a Rotarian?

Being a Rotarian allows me to make a difference in my community, neighboring communities, and internationally. Helping others connects us, creating stronger communities.

What do you feel the Rotary Club means to the community?

I believe The Rotary Club of Abbeville did much of its best work behind the scenes for many years. Rotary’s Motto, “Service Above Self” means to serve but do it without needing recognition. Unfortunately, not everyone in our community knows what the Rotary Club has done or is doing.
We are working as a club to change that outlook. It’s still not about getting recognition, but instead, it’s joining together as a club and community to improve our area. Those that know what the Rotary Club of Abbeville has done know the Impact we have made in so many different avenues of service.

What does it mean to you to be president of the Rotary Club?

It’s an important position that will allow me to inspire and motivate others to do good and the opportunity to make changes. That’s a great feeling when you can make a difference in your community, and I will.

What is your vision/plans for your time as president?

I have several projects planned for my presidency that will impact our community and internationally with Rotary. I plan to bring awareness and effect a change, and inspire others to join the Rotary Club of Abbeville and maybe someday be president like me.

Wildcats quarantined

Tue, 08/03/2021 - 11:34am

Five Abbeville football players test positive for COVID-19

It’s a 10 letter word that is not good to begin with, but for a football coach in these times, it’s the equivalent of a four-letter word and not to be uttered for fear of bad luck.
Unfortunately for Abbeville High football, it’s a word that’s reared its head as head football coach Roderick Moy is starting to wind down summer workouts and begin preparations for the upcoming football season.
Quarantine.
“We had five kids test positive (for COVID-19)) in the last two days, so obviously there is a problem,” Moy said. “And it didn’t touch just one group of kids to where you could quarantine that group.
“So when you started to contact trace and who was where and with what group between Thursday and Monday, it became obvious that the safest thing was to send everyone home and get healthy and make sure that we start the season.”
So the result is that Abbeville High football has a two-week break for quarantining the football team. When the quarantine period ends, the Wildcats will be starting fall camp as the team gets ready for the fall scrimmage, jamboree, and start of the season.
“It’s not a bad thing is which we are losing games,” Moy said. “The big problem is that we have a process by which we do things, and the day we come back is the first day of (fall) practice.
“So we’re going to have three days of acclimation, and we are going to be behind on our conditioning. These kids are not quarantining from workouts, and we are quarantining so these guys can get healthy, so we don’t infect anyone else. Our conditioning is not going to be anywhere where it would normally have been doing our thing over the next two weeks.”
It’s not the first quarantine situation for Vermilion Parish football. Last year, Erath lost two weeks of the regular season due to quarantine, which ended up costing Abbeville’s game against Erath but it didn’t hurt EHS in the end because a couple of other teams in the state chose not to go into the playoffs and the Bobcats were able to play in the postseason.
Moy characterized it as a streak of bad luck because Abbeville High is following all Covid protocols from the LHSAA.
“We only work out three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday),” Moy said. “But at the same time, we can’t control how much these kids are around each other and other people on their own time.”
Moy added that a handful of kids tested positive and that Abbeville High is not the only place that they were assembling. It could have happened anywhere in the city during the time that they were together.
“But everyone is going to hear Abbeville HIgh and football and quarantine and that it happened in football,” Moy said. “We’re the ones who are going to have to do that right thing and send everyone home whether they have it or not and sometimes the school is going to get a bad rap for something that’s not our fault.”
The AHS coach said that even with this setback, the Wildcats had a good spring and summer and won’t start from scratch when practice starts again, unlike last season when practice couldn’t start until late summer and everyone started from scratch.
“We couldn’t do anything last summer,” Moy said. “No 7-on-7, we couldn’t come together for anything team last summer, whereas we’ve been able to do a lot more this spring and summer, and we got a lot done.”
Moy said the team could come back together on Aug. 9, which is when fall practice can begin for teams with an official spring training period. The Abbeville coach also added that he told the kids who were not affected that there was some conditioning they could do around the house to maintain a level of conditioning, so they are not starting from scratch when the team returns.
If there is one good thing that comes out of this quarantine, it’s the fact that now Moy and the coaching staff have a prime example of following protocols and can tell the kids why you do so because it can come to an end very quickly.
“It’s a perfect wake-up call for us,” Moy said. “I think that people were starting to fool themselves that just because there weren’t as many restrictions as there was last summer, it was back to how life was in 2019, and that’s not the case at all. So we can tell seniors not to take any days for granted because if we get this again, it’s two weeks, and that might be the two games that are the difference between us making the playoffs and not making the playoffs.”

Gabriel Clement will play wide receiver and running back for Kaplan. (photo by Leah McClelland)

Meet Kaplan’s ‘Utility Guy’

Tue, 08/03/2021 - 11:31am

Clement will play three positions on offense

Neal McClelland, Sports Writer

KAPLAN - Kaplan junior Gabriel Clement’s nickname could very well be “slash” and not just because he plays running back/wide receiver for the Pirates.
According to first-year head coach Cory Brodie, it’s very likely because he’s such a versatile weapon in the Kaplan offensive arsenal for the 2021 season.
“Gabriel is going to play running back, and he’s going to play receiver. Plus, he’s going to line up in the slot. Gabriel is going to be our utility guy,” Brodie said. “He’s our lightning in a bottle, and we’re going to try to put him in different positions for him to succeed.
“He’s our guy where people are going to have to recognize where he’s at on the field, which is going to open up for other people. He’s our speedster.”
That is high praise for someone who stands only 5-foot-8 and 143 pounds but ran a 4.6-second, 40-yard dash last year.
“We haven’t been timed in a 40 yet this year,” Clement said. “But I’m pretty sure I am still fast.”
A team guy through and through, Clement said it doesn’t matter what position he plays of the two he’s listed at. He wants to help the team no matter where he plays.
“As long as the team wins, I don’t care what I do during a game,” Clement said.
As a running back, Clement said that he usually relies on his blockers because, as he puts it, “I’m not a big dude.”
But when there is blocking a hole to run though, “I’m outta there!” he said.
As a receiver, he’s a little more vocal about what he can do.
“It’s not too hard running routes on people because they give me good looks,” he said.
Clement’s favorite route is a go-route or a post or corner route.
“I can usually run past the defender, and the quarterbacks can get me the ball,” he said. “I can either wait for the ball to get to me or run down the field and catch it if it’s thrown deep.”
Adjusting to the new coaching staff at Kaplan wasn’t hard either.
“I heard some stuff about Coach Brodie from my VC (Vermilion Catholic) friends,” he said. “So I knew that we were going to get some passes this year, and I was happy about it.
But when he came in, we weren’t expecting this many routes to learn, but we learned it. So we are all confident now and going with the flow.”
Clement said that spring and summer have been challenging because the coaches have been running the team to make sure they are in shape but that at the same time it’s been fun learning the new offense and seeing how it will work this fall.
The track sprinter (he runs the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters) is looking forward to the fall football season.
“I want to show the other teams how we play at Kaplan,” Clement said. “Right now, we’re the underdogs, and I do not like that at all.
“They are going to see us. Trust me, and they are going to see us. So let everyone think that we are bad. We’re going to show them.”

Kenneth “My Love” Paul Harrington

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 3:51pm

March 27, 1938 ~ July 31, 2021

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Kenneth Paul Harrington, My Love, as he was affectionately known, died peacefully on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Abbeville General Hospital.
He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Louis J. Richard officiating the services.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Harrington, Bryan Touchet, Eric LeBlanc, Branden LeBlanc, Sammy Laporte, Ralph Hutchinson, Wade Trahan and Taylor Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be the 1956 Abbeville High School classmates, Sheriff Michael Couvillon and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office personnel with whom he worked, and so many friends and family that are too numerous to name.
My Love was a 1956 Abbeville High School graduate, and still remained close with many of his classmates. He greatly enjoyed coaching many youths in Abbeville Little League and Babe Ruth baseball leagues for many years. He was retired from the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office after 33 years of loyal service, serving under the late Sheriff Euda Delcambre, Sheriff Ray Lemaire and current Sheriff Mike Couvillon.
He was 83 years old, and lived a long, beautiful and wonderful life filled with lots of music, love and laughter. My Love was a great man, who never met a stranger, always befriending everyone he met, and always had a great joke to share. He loved to cook, he loved to eat, but he loved his family more, never wanting to miss out on any chance to be with his grandchildren, his pride and joy, whom affectionately called him “Poppa Love,” which he proudly displayed on his pick-up truck, as he travelled around town.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan Touchet Harrington, as well as his son, Greg Harrington, and his wife, Sheila LeBlanc Harrington, his grandchildren, Tyler Harrington and Kennedy Harrington, as well as his great grandson, Aiden (A.J.) Harrington. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Charlotte Dubois Touchet.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, Alton and Ella “Beco” Hebert Harrington, his in-laws, Denis, Annie and Amy Touchet, and his brother-in-law, Glen Touchet.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 1:45 PM when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary being prayed at 11:00 AM.
The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Eastridge Nursing Home, where he was a resident since March, 2021, as well as the staff of Abbeville General Hospital, for the wonderful comfort and care provided to My Love. The family would also like to extend our great appreciation to all who called, texted, left a message or shared a story about My Love, as it has been a great comfort at this difficult time.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Danny Doyle Richard

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 3:49pm

August 27, 1945 ~ July 31, 2021

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at St. James Church honoring the life of Danny Doyle Richard, 75, who passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. He will be laid to rest at Esther Community Cemetery with Rev. David Hebert officiating the services. Pallbearers will be the young men in his life that he most enjoyed spending time with. They include his sons, Matthew Brumley and David Brumley, sons in law, Bobby Gaudet, Paul Duhon, and his grandsons, Aiden Lebouef, Ross Gaudet, Chase
Cabrol and Gavin Tucker and his favorite hunting partner, nephew Andy Richard. Honorary pallbearers include Donald Sagrera, Tim Morton, Mike Sagrera, Donald Lynn Frederick, Tippy Guidry, and Ed Villien, his lifelong friends.
Danny Richard was born on August 27, 1945 at the Palms Hospital in Abbeville, Louisiana to Ivy and Dola Richard. Ivy was serving with the U.S. Coast Guard at the time Danny was born and did not meet Danny until he was several months old. Danny was raised in Intracoastal City at the Ivy Richard Marina. He became the proud and respected owner/operator of the marina when Mr. Ivy retired.
Danny attended and graduated from Mount Carmel Elementary and High School. He was very proud to enjoy a close relationship throughout his life with his Class of '63. He enjoyed any time he could spend with them. He also graduated from USL.
As a young man he built and repaired bulkheads at the Marina and developed a company, Shoreline Designs Inc. to construct and repair bulkhead/seawalls for customers. Most of the bulkhead, seawalls and docks you see along the Vermilion River from Abbeville into Lafayette are a result of his work.
Danny proudly served his community as a School Board member for 20 years and he served on the Magnolia Water District Board as well as the 7th Ward Fire Board.
When Danny wasn't working, you could find him spending time with his family and friends. He loved to travel and explore and especially fish. Family memories at the marina, the duck camp, Mudd Lake, and the beach will always be cherished.
Danny is survived by his wife, Linda Kendrick; his daughter, Lisa Lebouef (Glenn) and Erica Duhon, Casie Gaudet (Bobby), and Lauri Duhon (Paul), Matt Brumley, and David Brumley (Jhen). The most special people in his life were his grandchildren, Aiden LeBouef, Kristin Cabrol, Chase Cabrol, Ross Gaudet (Dakota), Madeline Gaudet, Gavin Tucker, Ana Rene Duhon,
Michelle Brumley and Madeline Brumley. His newest blessings were his great-granddaughters, Haiden Stelly and Violet Gaudet. He is also survived by his two sisters Kathy Willis (Clay) and Tammy Landry (Tim) and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
We are certain that there has been a large group of angels ready to greet Danny at the gates of heaven. They include his parents, Ivy and Dola Richard; the mother of his children-his wife, Dianna Gaspard Richard; his children, Jill, Rachel, and Todd; his brothers, Jimmy Richard and Tommy Richard; his aunt, Lily Cessac; and his godchild, Bryant Vincent. What a joyous reunion that will be!!
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being led by his classmates from Mount Carmel High School at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, August 4, 2021 from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Esther Cemetery Association at the St James Chapel in Esther, Louisiana.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
The family would like to thank Louise Stelly for the excellent care she gave to Danny. They would also like to thank Acadian Hospice for their care and comfort the last few years.
-–ºAll funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Gov. Edwards Temporarily Reinstates Louisiana’s Statewide Mask Mandate

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 3:24pm

BATON ROUGE — On Monday, Gov. John Bel Edwards has temporarily reinstated Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate indoors for all people age five and older as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across Louisiana, threatening the ability of Louisiana’s hospitals to deliver care during this fourth surge of COVID. Louisiana is currently in the worst surge of the COVID-19 pandemic so far in terms of case growth rate, percent positivity and hospitalizations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday released data that shows that while vaccination reduces one’s chance of becoming infected with COVID-19, those who do become infected with the Delta variant despite being fully vaccinated are likely at risk of transmitting it to others.
Louisiana’s temporary indoor statewide mask mandate will stay in place until at least September 1, but may be extended if necessary.
Driven largely by Louisiana’s insufficient vaccination rate and the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, COVID-19 cases in the state have grown exponentially. Louisiana remains No. 1 nationwide for number of new COVID-19 cases per capita. The temporary indoor statewide mask mandate will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and limit suffering and death in Louisiana until we are through this fourth surge. The indoor mask mandate also applies to K-12 schools, universities, and other higher education institutions, which return to on-campus learning in August. In accordance with new guidance from the CDC, all people on campuses should be masked indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.
“It has never been more clear that we are in an unchecked COVID surge that, in addition to threatening the health and wellbeing of many Louisianans, also threatens the capacity of our hospitals and medical facilities to deliver care to their patients. That is simply unacceptable, and after reviewing new data from the CDC, speaking with public health advisors, and hearing from hospital leadership and the business community, I am reinstating Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate indoors, including in schools to protect our children who are too young to be vaccinated and our teachers and staff,” Gov. Edwards said. “This decision is not one I take lightly, but as the fourth surge of COVID-19 is upon us, we know that mask wearing when you are in public is one way to greatly lower your risk of spreading or catching COVID. Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is another. We have the tools we need to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and save lives, and I am pleading with unvaccinated Louisianans to get their shot as soon as they can to protect themselves. We can end this nightmare, but it is going to take all of us working together to do it.”
“The data in Louisiana clearly point to the severity of our situation, and the urgency to act now,” said Dr. Joseph Kanter, State Health Officer. “Over the weekend we reviewed new data from the CDC showing that while vaccination reduces one’s chance of becoming infected with COVID-19, those who do become infected with the Delta variant despite being fully vaccinated are likely at risk of transmitting it to others. This new information and other recent data showing the Delta variant is more than twice as transmissible as the original strains of COVID-19 bolster our recommendation to the Governor to put a universal mask mandate in place immediately.”
As has always been the case, local leaders may implement mitigation measures that are more comprehensive and restrictive than the current state guidelines, should they feel this is best for their communities.

STATEWIDE MASK MANDATE

Face masks that properly cover the wearer’s mouth and nose should be worn indoors at all times, unless a person is in a home, under the Governor’s statewide mask mandate, which will be in place until at least September 1.
The order requires face coverings for everyone age 5 or older or enrolled in kindergarten, except for the following:
• Anyone who has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering
• Anyone who is consuming a drink or food
• Anyone who is trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired
• Anyone who is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience
• Anyone temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes
• Face coverings are highly encouraged for those ages 2 to 4 as tolerated.

As with the Governor’s previous mandate, children younger than kindergarten age are exempted if they cannot wear a mask. However, the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly encourage indoor mask wearing in public for all children aged two and older, especially as they are not yet eligible for the COVID vaccine. Generally, LDH shares these reminders for individuals and families who are trying to stay as safe as possible during the COVID-10 pandemic:
• If you can do an activity outdoors instead of indoors, do it outdoors
• Follow good hygiene practices (wash your hands vigorously and frequently, and don’t touch your face)
• Stay away from crowded settings
• Work virtually if possible
• If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested immediately
• If you’re in an at-risk group, be extra careful
• Everyone who is sick or who has COVID symptoms should stay home

GUIDANCE FOR LARGE GATHERINGS

On Monday, the Louisiana Department of Health additionally issued guidance to the public about large event gatherings during the fourth surge of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including ways to lower risk for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

LDH recommends:

Limiting the size of indoor gatherings, moving events outdoors, or hosting meetings and events virtually to reduce the likelihood of COIVD-19 spread.
All participants of indoor meetings and events are required to be masked.
People with underlying health conditions that make them more likely to have severe COVID complications should avoid nonessential trips outside of the home.
Event hosts and facilities should practice strong sanitation and hygiene practices and provide hand sanitizer for those who need it.
Spaces should be staged to accommodate at least six feet of distance between guests.

TESTING AND QUARANTINE GUIDANCE

Under guidance issued by LDH two weeks ago, all businesses should review their operations to accommodate employees in a way that reduces unnecessary contact to avoid the spread of COVID in the workplace.
In addition, all people should take a COVID test immediately after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 and take the following actions:
• If positive, they should isolate immediately.
• If negative, they should retest again between five and seven days post-exposure.
• If they develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any point they should test and immediately isolate pending the results.
• This guidance will remain in place at least until Louisiana is safely out of its fourth COVID-19 surge, with additional guidance and mitigation measures put in place if and when necessary to slow the spread of the more contagious and virulent Delta variant and preserve hospital capacity.
At this time, the CDC advises that fully vaccinated individuals who are not experiencing COVID symptoms do not need to quarantine following an exposure to COVID-19, and LDH is not yet altering this guidance.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, even those who are fully vaccinated or without a known exposure, should get tested.
Anyone who tests positive should immediately isolate. Isolation (for those who test positive for COVID-19) typically consists of:
• If symptomatic, at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared, symptoms are improving, and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication
• If asymptomatic but with a positive test, 10 days from the time the test sample was collected
• Call 211 to find a COVID-19 testing site near you.

HOW TO GET A COVID VACCINE IN LOUISIANA

Everyone aged 12 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. The FDA has only authorized one of the three COVID-19 vaccines – from Pfizer – for children ages 12 to 17. Parents should confirm with the vaccine provider that their child is under 18 to ensure Pfizer vaccine is available before making an appointment.
COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at 1,437 locations in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, including at pharmacies, hospitals, health care clinics, and doctor’s offices.
For a list of locations, visit LDH’s vaccine directory or visit vaccines.gov, which is maintained by the federal government.
To get a list of vaccine locations near you text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English, or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish.
If you have questions, would like to speak with a medical professional, or need help scheduling an appointment, call 211 or Louisiana’s vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.

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