Louisiana has now entered into Phase One on Friday, May 15, as the Stay at Home order has lifted.
According to Gov. Edwards newest order, more businesses will open with strict social distancing, enhanced sanitation and required masks for employees helping the public.
It is advised that residents in the state should still stay at home as much as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. People who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should still stay at home unless they are traveling outside of the home for an essential activity.
The Governor's Office put out some helpful graphics to remind resident of what is open, closed, and what will remain the same:
Phase One guidance will allow essential businesses as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), to remain open. Non-essential businesses (sometimes called "gray area" businesses) and churches may remain open at 25 percent of their occupancy. Further, churches and restaurants, cafes and coffee shops may continue to conduct outdoor service not limited by 25 percent of indoor capacity so long as strict social distancing is practiced. All business owners should read the order to understand which category their business falls into.
New types of businesses that may open beginning on May 15, with 25 percent occupancy limits, sanitation guidelines and spacing for physical distancing include:
Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
Shopping malls
Gyms and fitness centers
Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons
Movie theaters
Racetracks (not open to spectators)
Museums, zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
Bars and breweries with LDH food permits
Casinos and video poker establishments may open on May 18, at 25 percent occupancy and with 50 percent of their gaming positions, spaced out to allow for social distancing and with enhanced sanitation. Gaming facilities must have a plan approved by the Gaming Control Board prior to reopening.
The following businesses remain closed: massage establishments and spas, tattoo parlors, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, fairs, bars and breweries without LDH food permits, pool halls, bowling alleys, contact sports, children's play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, adult entertainment venues, and other similar businesses.
In a separate order, the Governor extended legal deadlines that had previously been delayed in March. The order also suspended other provisions necessary to respond to this disaster. These deadlines, including the moratorium on evictions, will continue until June 5.
Click here to read the legal deadlines and suspension order.
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