On Tuesday, Lafayette Consolidated Government shared some incidents of businesses not complying with the parish's safe shop policy and the governor's orders pertaining to business operations.
Those incidents included Hobby Lobby not complying with social distancing guidelines and a nail salon operating in violation of the governor's orders.
The Lafayette Fire Department responded to the incidents during the week of April 26 through May 4.
LCG says the complaints included:
- April 27: Red Nails, a nail salon, located at 626 Verot School was alleged to be in operation. The complaint was investigated on April 28. The department confirmed that Red Nails was in violation and ordered the business to cease and desist.
- May 1: Hobby Lobby was reported as not enforcing the 6 feet of social distancing for check out. An investigation determined that they were not in compliance. The manager agreed to limit the capacity as well as place markers on the floor indicating social distancing.
Yesterday, the state launched a new website that gives businesses information about what they can and can't do, and also offers citizens a way to report businesses they believe aren't following the rules. You can find it here.
The nail salon is covered by the governor's order, which requires all personal care businesses, like hair salons, nail salons, as well as other specific businesses, be closed. You can find that list here, under Section 4.
Lafayette Consolidated Government's Safe Shop Policy gives more guidance to "gray-area" businesses that were not deemed essential and not prohibited from operating under the governor's stay-at-home order.
Under the policy, businesses are allowed to operate if meeting the following:
- Employees must wear masks and do not report to work if they have fever or symptoms.
- The customers must also not have symptoms and must maintain the six feet distancing mandate.
- A maximum of 25% of a building's occupancy can only be allowed in any establishment at a given time.
Guillory said that businesses who violate this order can be shut down, have their power cut, get fined $500 and even face jail time.
On Monday, May 4, LCG released more guidance on the reopening process for businesses.
More guidance from the Governor's office on Louisiana's Phase One reopening will be announced on or around May 11.
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