- Governor John Bel Edwards' statewide indoor mask mandate is now in effect. Edwards issued the mandate on Monday, saying it applies to those five-years-and-older in all public places statewide regardless of vaccination status. Edwards said the new mandate would run until September 1st and could be extended if needed. The Governor added that the mandate was not something he wanted, but Louisiana is one of the leaders in the nation in new COVID-19 cases.