Edwards won't renew COVID emergency declaration

Four days short of two years since he signed the first COVID-19 emergency declaration, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Monday that he won't renew it when it expires Wednesday.

"Cases and hospitalizations have been steadily dropping since we emerged from the Omicron fueled surge this winter," Edwards said in his State of the State address Monday at the opening of the 2022 regular legislative session in Baton Rouge.

"Parades rolled again this Mardi Gras. If that’s not a Louisiana breeze of hope, I don’t know what is."

Edwards said he didn't make the decision lightly.

"I have met with the Division of Administration, GOHSEP, the Department of Health, and the Louisiana National Guard to ensure that there will be no federal aid repercussions or other adverse consequences from not renewing the proclamation," Edward said.

"Just because the proclamation is expiring doesn’t mean COVID is over. If the circumstances call for it, I will not hesitate to declare another emergency. But God willing, we will never have to see such difficult mitigation measures in our state again. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that we are in a much better place today than we were two years ago."

Edwards praised those whom he called "healthcare heroes around the state and the stalwart team at the Louisiana Department of Health, including State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter and Secretary Dr. Courtney Phillips. They may be weary, but they have not wavered in their efforts to save lives."

On Monday, the Office of Public Health reported 537 new COVID cases since midday Friday along with 26 deaths. The OPH said 210 COVID-positive people are hospitalized, about 1/10th of the number during the omicron peak last winter.

In St. Mary, only four new COVID cases were reported over the weekend, raising the pandemic total to 12,455. The death toll remained at 258, including 28 since Jan. 1.

The vaccination rate in St. Mary is 44.03%.

Also at Monday's address, Edwards introduced Eddie Hayes, the honorary consul to Louisiana from the government of Ukraine.

"All too often, our world is filled with unrest, and right now our prayers are especially with the people of Ukraine as they defend their homes, their families, and their freedom," Edwards said.