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Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday afternoon that the state of Louisiana would be lifting its mandatory mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic, but masks may still be required in some areas.

Speaking in Baton Rouge, Edwards said that the main change will be allowing private businesses and local governments to set their own mandates and other regulations. However, there will no longer be a statewide mandate.

Edwards said that masks would still be required in some institutions that are subject to federal guidelines. These include the following:

• K-12 schools in Louisiana.
• Colleges and universities.
• Public transit.
• Many state government buildings.
• Health care facilities.

Edwards said that some state agencies could exempt themselves from the mandate, if the secretary of that department expresses such a desire in writing. He noted that all agencies within his Cabinet would continue to require masks.

Edwards signed a proclamation establishing the changes, and it was scheduled to go into effect starting Wednesday, April 28. It will remain in effect for 28 days.