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Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Thursday morning that Louisiana will move to Phase Three of its COVID-19 re-opening plan, after the current Phase Two order expires Friday.

Speaking in Baton Rouge, Edwards said he would provide additional details about the changes in a proclamation to be released later this week, likely on Friday.

According to the White House and Centers for Disease Control, some of the possible changes that could occur under a Phase Three order include:

• Vulnerable individuals can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.
• Low-risk populations should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.
• Employers can resume unrestricted staffing of worksites.
• Visits to senior care facilities and hospitals can resume. Those who interact with residents and patients must be diligent, regarding hygiene.
• Large venues (such as sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship, etc.) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.
• Gyms can remain open if they adhere to standard sanitation protocols.
• Bars may operate with increased standing room occupancy, where applicable.

According to the Bogalusa City Schools’ reopening plan, moving to Phase Three could allow the school system to return to a traditional schedule on campus. The schools will continue to follow restrictions and guidelines from the CDC and Office of Public Health, as needed.

Edwards said the mask mandate will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future, regardless of which phase the state is in.

For more on this developing story, check this website for updates and see the weekend print edition, Sept. 12-13, 2020, of The Daily News.