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New Orleans releases guidelines on Phase One reopening this weekend

Restaurants will utilize a reservation or appointment system
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell
Posted at 8:27 PM, May 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-12 21:27:41-04

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The City of New Orleans has released guidelines on its Phase One reopening plans, including what can and cannot open and how, that begins this weekend.

For instance, restaurants with table service in New Orleans and across Orleans Parish are being asked to request reservations ahead of time for guests.

According to NOLA.gov, Phase One will ease the Stay Home Order and restrictions on some low-risk operations, while implementing limits on occupancy, social distancing measures and requirements for personal protective equipment.

If milestones for progress are not met or if there is a spike in cases or deaths, it may be necessary to move back to stricter measures, the website states.

Phase I in Orleans Parish will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Operations Allowed in Phase One

(Bold items are specific requirements for businesses operating in Orleans Parish):

SHOPPING MALLS AND RETAIL STORES

  • Stores with exterior entrances limited to 25% of permitted occupancy. Stores within malls with no exterior entrances remain closed.
  • Curb-side pickup and online shopping are highly encouraged.

FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS

  • Restaurants with table service should utilize a reservation or appointment system.
  • Only bars with a Louisiana Department of Health food permit are allowed to serve food with same restrictions as restaurant.
  • Outdoor seating is allowed.
  • Indoor seating is limited to 25% of permitted occupancy.
  • Tables must be arranged to keep parties at least six feet away from others.
  • Take out and delivery are highly encouraged.
  • No restaurant or food service establishment should serve any alcoholic beverage to a patron who is not also purchasing food.
  • Video poker is not allowed.

BEAUTY SALONS, BARBER SHOPS, AND NAIL SALONS

  • Service by reservation or appointment only.
  • Limited to 25% of permitted occupancy.
  • Chairs must be arranged to keep people at least six feet away from others.
  • Gloves must be worn and changed between customers.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP

  • Services are limited to 25% of permitted occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
  • No choirs permitted.
  • Six feet of distance between people and small groups must be maintained and crowd managers must be provided.
  • Seniors and people with serious medical conditions should continue to stay home.
  • Interior gathering spaces (ie fellowship halls, classrooms) cannot be used.
  • Community assistance services are permitted.
  • Online or drive-up services are highly encouraged.

CHILDCARE, EARLY LEARNING CENTERS, K-12 SCHOOL AND EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

  • Limited to 10 people per group, including adults.
  • Contact sports are not permitted.

MOVIE THEATERS

  • Limited to 25% of permitted occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
  • Six feet of distance between people and small groups must be maintained and crowd managers must be provided.
  • Seniors and people with serious medical conditions should continue to stay home.
  • Interior gathering spaces cannot be used.

MUSEUMS, ZOOS, AQUARIUMS

  • Limited to 25% of permitted occupancy.
  • Admission must be staggered using an appointment or reservation system.
  • Six feet of distance between people and small groups must be maintained and crowd managers must be provided.
  • Seniors and people with serious medical conditions should continue to stay home.
  • Interior gathering spaces cannot be used.

GYMS AND FITNESS CENTERS

  • Limited to 25% of permitted occupancy.
  • Contact sports and group fitness classes are not allowed.
  • Individual personal training allowed without physical touching and with strict social distancing.
  • Equipment and exercise areas must be arranged to keep people at least six feet away from others.
  • No use of locker rooms, showers, saunas, or spas allowed.

OFFICE BUILDINGS AND BUSINESSES

  • People who can work from home should continue to do so.
  • Limited to 25% of permitted occupancy.
  • Conference rooms limited to 10 people with six feet between each individual.
  • Virtual meetings are highly encouraged.

LIBRARIES

  • Limited to 25% of permitted occupancy.
  • Story time or other group events are not permitted.

OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACES, SPORTS COMPLEXES, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

  • Parks and playgrounds can reopen, but residents must avoid close contact with others.
  • Permitted sports include running, biking, lap swimming, tennis, golf, archery, curling, softball, and baseball. No spectating from bleachers nor dugout use will be allowed.
  • Contact sports are not permitted.

RACETRACKS

  • No spectators allowed.
  • Casinos and video poker not allowed.

Not Allowed in Phase One

  • CASINOS AND VIDEO POKER (NOT ALLOWED IN ORLEANS PARISH)
  • SPAS, TATTOO, AND MASSAGE PARLORS
  • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, AMUSEMENT, AND EVENT VENUES
  • CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS
  • BARS WITHOUT FOOD PERMITS
  • PRIVATE GATHERINGS WITH MORE THAN A REASONABLE HOUSEHOLD SIZE

To see more on which restrictions will be eased in New Orleans and its plans for Phase Two, click here.

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