State returns to Phase 3 COVID restrictions — Nancy Bergeron Louisiana is back in Phase Three of coronavirus reopening today. The relaxed restrictions Gov. John Bel Edwards announced during a press conference Tuesday remain in effect at least until March 31. But the governor warned Louisianans not to become complacent, especially in the face of new, more virulent strains of COVID-19. “While we’re doing better, while we’re easing the restrictions, no one should think we’re out of the woods,” Edwards said. The new rules allow restaurants and most other businesses to move from 50% capacity to 75% capacity. Event centers are allowed to have seated gatherings at 50% occupancy or 250 people.