Earlier this week Gov. John Bel Edwards’ signed an executive order that gives the “chief law enforcement officer of any political subdivision” broad latitude to “bring the emergency [coronavirus] situation under control,” including implementing a local curfew from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.
Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington says he does not have any plans implementing a curfew in Bossier Parish.
“As far as locally, things are going ok so far. With restaurants most people are heeding the Governor’s orders. We did have a couple of bars that maybe they didn’t get the memo. And our folks went in and told them that they needed to close down. Really people are heeding the warning. Generally obi-ding by the law. The governor did grant authority in his orders if need be for crew fews and different things. We don’t have any plans on utilizing that. Don’t see that happening. I guess it’s a tool for the worst case scenario if things get really out of hand that we can declare a curfew and send everybody home. But I think that’s a long way from being utilized. But it is there if necessary,” Whittington.
“It’s our responsibility to take care of the public but at the same time we can’t panic anybody,” he added.
On Monday, Gov. John Bel Edwards took additional significant measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, further limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. These changes are effective statewide at midnight. Operations may be able to resume on April 13, however, the situation will be reevaluated seven days prior. In Louisiana, there are 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two people have died.
“More aggressive steps are necessary to fight the spread of COVID-19 across Louisiana. Following additional guidance from the CDC, gatherings of more than 50 people are no longer permitted, bars and casinos must close and restaurants will only be able to offer take out or delivery,” Gov. Edwards said. “These limitations were difficult to make, but they are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the health of Louisianans and flatten the curve.”
