On Thursday, May 14th, Governor Edwards will move the State of Louisiana into Phase One as the State continues to recover from Covid-19. This proclamation will adopt every major recommendation of Phase One of President Trump’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again. It will end the statewide stay-at-home order and allow more businesses to reopen, in addition to the essential businesses that are already open. These businesses will have to follow strict occupancy, protection, and social distancing guidelines. Phase 1 is scheduled to end 21 days after the proclamation is issued, on June 5th.
The types of businesses that can reopen are gyms and fitness centers, barbershops and hair and nail salons, casinos, theaters, racetracks (without spectators), museums/zoos/aquariums, and bars that have an LDH permit. All non-essential Phase One businesses and churches will be limited to 25% of their total occupancy. This occupancy rate must include employers and customers. All employees of these businesses and churches must wear face coverings or cloth masks and encourage social distancing. In order to receive more guidance on openings, business owners and church leaders can register at opensafely.la.gov but it will also be placed online.
Governor Edwards has also encouraged people who are at a higher risk of becoming ill from COVID-19 to continue to stay at home unless it is necessary to get food or medical care. All individuals, however, should limit their exposure to the virus by wearing masks while in public, practice good hygiene, and maintain social distancing of at least six feet. Members of the public can continue to find information from the Governor’s office at coronavirus.la.gov or by texting LACOVID to 67283.
We will post more information as it becomes available.