Louisiana is officially easing up on business closures and public gathering restrictions that Gov. John Bel Edwards credits with slowing the spread of the virus. In most cities residents can once again eat inside restaurants, attend church indoors, head to the gym, or get their hair cut.
There are rules customers and businesses have to follow.
- Restaurants, gyms, malls, churches and other service providers where customers enter and linger will be limited to 25% of normal legal capacity (including employees). Retail stores, many of which were already able to open under earlier restrictions, still must maintain social distancing from, and among, customers.
- Remaining closed: massage establishments and spas, tattoo parlors, carnivals, amusement parks, arcades, bars that don't have state food permits, pool halls, bowling alleys and children’s play centers.
There were some changes/clarifications made before the new order was issued however. Casinos will now reopen Monday with 50% of their games operational, instead of the original suggestion of 25%. They still though have to abide by the 25% capacity rule.
In addition, shopping mall stores with interior entrances can also open, as long as they maintain the 25% capacity rule. Initially Edwards said only those with exterior entrances can open.
Finally, for those in the beauty industry, most services will be available, with the exception of esthetic services, like waxing.
Read the Governor's full order HERE.
Businesses in Louisiana can visit opensafely.la.gov to receive guidance as the state moves through a phased reopening. Through all phases, Edwards said business employees and residents should wear masks and practice social distancing while in public.
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