LAFAYETTE, La. — The Lafayette Consolidated Government held a press briefing on Friday to update the public on the COVID-19 response.
LCG announced that the Northgate and Acadiana Malls will open on Monday, May 18.
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory said that after initial review, LCG determined that a section of the Phase One order from Gov. John Bel Edwards provides guidance for reopening of shopping malls.
Malls will reopen with 25% capacity, employees having to wear masks and proper social distancing measures in place.
While the food courts will technically be open, they will only be able to serve to go orders. No one will be allowed to sit and eat at the tables inside the food court.
Lafayette Police Department Interim Chief Scott Morgan said that mall security will handle compliance of the 25% capacity, mask and social distancing rules.
Guillory said LCG has working with merchants in both locations to reopen both malls next week.
LCG also announced that it now has increased testing capacity and will now have the 311 call center operated by LCG personell. Calls to 311 will now move from answering screening questions to providing information on testing and where callers can go to get tested.
Those interested in getting tested for COVID-19 can diall 311 and hit option 1.
Lafayette City Court Judge Douglas Saloom announced that all evictions will be stayed, most likely until after June 5.
Saloom said that the Lafayette City Courthouse was working to resume some operations on Monday, May 18.
Saloom said the court would be hiring off duty fire fighters to conduct temperature checks and screening at the courthouse entrants.
The Lafayette City Court will also only allow 25% capacity, require anyone entering to wear a mask, and will have a staggered docket schedule.
Saloom said he had just received guidance from the Louisiana Supreme Court and would have more details later today about his own order for the city court.
On Friday, Lafayette Parish reported two more cases of COVID-19 for a total of 543 cases with a total of 23 recorded in the parish.
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