LAFAYETTE, La. — On Thursday, April 23, Lafayette Consolidated Government held a media briefing on the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory said that he is working with other local municipalities to draft a letter to Gov. John Bel Edwards to allow each parish and/or region to make the decision on when and how to reopen their economies after the governor's Stay At Home Order expires on April 30.
Guillory said that some local parishes have not been impacted by COVID-19 as much as hotspots like Jefferson and Orleans Parishes.
He mentioned the governor of Georgia and his recent decision to lift most of that state's restrictions put in place to stop COVID-19 against the recommendation of federal guidelines.
Guillory said he would work with local, state and federal officials to avoid such confusion when reopening efforts across the state begin.
Guillory said he was prepared to respond to whatever guidance comes from the state after the governor's emergency order ends on April 30.
He said he will continue to work with GOHSEP and local businesses and stakeholders to provide clear information on federal guidelines, state mandates and best health practices when the reopening process begins.
Guillory said that the combination of Safe Shop Policy for gray area businesses and businesses listed as essential in the governor's order means there is guidance for about 85% of local businesses to operate safely.
Guillory said that he is confident in the governor's willingness to listen to city and parish officials. He said he strongly urges that parishes are allow to make decisions on reopening either by region or by parish next month.
LCG officials also stated that they have gotten a few calls about some businesses not complying with the Safe Shop Policy, but that most of them are working under the new rules.
LCG also said that meals being distributed at the Robicheaux Center will now be handed out Monday through Friday starting at 11 a.m., for those who are out of work and need a hot meal.
You can read the full letter here.
For details from Wednesday's press briefing, click here.
As of Wednesday, April 22, there were 435 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Lafayette Parish and 17 deaths.
The Louisiana Department of Health updates their numbers each day at noon.
To see the latest numbers from LDH, click here.
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