Louisiana reinstates statewide indoor mask mandate. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has temporarily reinstated a statewide indoor mask mandate as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have resurged as the Delta variant spreads. The order, which will remain in place until at least September 1, will require all individuals five years of age and up, including those at K-12 schools, universities, and other higher education institutions, to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Individuals who have a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering will be exempt from the requirement. Individuals will not have to wear a mask while consuming drinks or food, trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired, giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience, or when temporarily removing a face covering for identification purposes. As with the governor’s previous mandate, children younger than kindergarten age are exempt if they cannot wear a mask. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly encourage indoor mask wearing in public for all children aged 2 and older if they are able to. Check out the link for more details on this mask mandate.