Governor John Bel Edwards extended Phase Two for another 28 days on Monday, because he says the number of coronavirus cases has gone in the wrong direction.

President of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Stephen Waguespack, that regression means many businesses hoping to reopen or expand capacity in Phase Three, will now struggle a little longer.

“And so you have restaurants who are just hanging on for dear-life, you’ve got retail, main streets across Louisiana hanging on for dear-life, and another month is almost like another year for some of those folks.”

He says businesses will have to think outside-the-box to keep afloat through this extended Phase two.

Before Louisiana was thrown back into Phase Two, Waguespack says many business owners are willing to do what it takes to reopen. This includes wearing masks. However, he says those business owners are looking for clear guidance from health officials on wearing masks.

“You know how often do you have to change your mask? What if you are trying to work with a customer and they can’t hear you? If you pull it down?… I mean they are trying to implement the right protocols and its confusing sat times,” said Waguespack.

Governor Edwards said over the next two weeks state health officials will review the latest COVID-19 data to see when the state can move forward into Phase Three.