Governor Edwards is expected to make an announcement sometime today (Monday, 6/1) on the status of the state moving into Phase 2 of the economic re opening of Louisiana. While we all sit patiently and wonder what that means, what metrics will he be looking at to make this decision?

• statistics must suggest that there is no likelihood of a rebound in COVID-19 activity. In New Orleans, Health Director Dr Jennifer Avegno stressed it may be too soon to make this decision, as she expected a potential rebound in the wake of the Memorial Day weekend. Dr Jennifer Avegno responds

• a stable hospital system that doesn’t rely on crisis care. In late March, Louisiana requested 12,000 ventilators to satisfy impending COVID-19 concerns. As of today, less than 90 are in use statewide.

• lots and lots of testing. In short, there needs to be a robust, reliable testing system that allows every citizen of the state to be checked for the coronavirus safely, effectively, and quickly.

To see Jon Bel’s May 15 interview on the topic, see the YouTube video below. We will all be tuning in and hoping for the best in his announcement today.