UPDATE: LCG has issued a change to the earlier list of "essential" businesses.
Car dealerships will be allowed to continue selling vehicles, as long as social distancing measures are observed, and no more than ten people are in the same area at one time.
Also, we've received copies of some of the documents used to create the list, which you can see by scrolling down.
LAFAYETTE, La - Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory held a briefing today to provide some clarification for the governor's "stay-at-home" order.
Guillory said it's not martial law, but "common sense" is needed right now, because the virus is so dangerous.
Sheriff Mark Garber repeated the common sense idea.
"We're not doing this because the governor said to, we're doing this to save lives in our community," he said. "We're doing this for the very oldest, the very youngest, the most vulnerable. We're doing this for them."
After speaking with state officials, Guillory said the following businesses are essential and are allowed to operate during the order:
Grocery stores
Hardware stores, building material and home improvement stores
Hotels and respite lodging
Auto parts and tire stores
Auto rentals
Roadside assistance, towing and locksmith services
General rental services
Telecommunication, wired and wireless services - except for retail stores
Facilities providing medically necessary treatment, determined by the judgment of provider, including PT and chiropractic
Oil and gas, petroleum and chemical companies and support services
Retail and wholesale fuel providers
Convenience stores
Businesses that provide construction, repair or sanitation services for movable and immovable property, including appliance and computer repair
Auto repair, including dealerships
Car dealership sales areas
Grass cutting, lawn sevices
Farming operations
Food manufacturing and support services
Janitorial services
Funeral homes
Banks
Businesses for shipping, mailing, logistics, pickup and delivery services
Citizens are able to use the following places, with proper social distancing of at least six feet between people:
Parks and outdoor recreation facilities (not indoor facilities)
Outdoor walking and running tracks
Outdoor tennis courts
Private golf courses and driving ranges
"I know there's a lot of questions out there, I'm clarifying an order not issued by me, but working with the governor's office," Guillory said. "I believe we all know the intent. The intent is to slow down the spread of this extremely contagious virus."
Guillory encouraged everyone to practice social distancing as much as they can.
"It helps. It works. We're in a very serious situation, but we will get through this," he said.
Guillory said 69 people were tested at the Cajundome this morning, with 47 people screened out.
Anyone who thinks they should be tested should call 311 or 534-TEST to be screened. Anyone who does go to the site, they should have identification and their insurance card handy. No money will be collected at the testing site.
National Guard soldiers are helping now at the site, which is being run by Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health.
Watch the Live Stream of the press conference below:
In a news conference Govenor John Bel Edwards announced a state-wide stay-at-home order that will begin on Monday March 23,2020 at 5:00 p.m. and will continue until Sunday, April 12, 2020
Here is some helpful information: