Washington (CNN) Louisiana will delay its presidential primary next month because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said Friday he would sign an executive order later that day that would postpone the state's upcoming elections, including its presidential primary.

"The reasons include taking into account the older age of the majority of precinct volunteers and workers, and the need to reduce public contact, and also to allow maximum participation by all voters, regardless of their age and their health conditions," Edwards said at a news conference in New Orleans.

The primary will be the first to be delayed since the coronavirus outbreak began in the US and the announcement comes as other states grapple with how to deal with the pandemic and their own upcoming elections.

Earlier Friday, Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said that he requested the governor postpone the April 4 presidential primary until June 20. He also said he would request postponing state general elections scheduled for May 9 until July 25.

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