Governor John Bel Edwards announced this week, the state would reopen and the stay-at-home order would be rescinded on Friday, May 15.
The coronavirus exists, and everyone should practice social distancing of six feet, the governor told residents. Everyone is encouraged to wear masks, but all employees working with the public must wear masks. If you are considered a high risk patient, the governor asked that you continue to stay at home.
He did say that if data increased then more drastic restrictions would be put in place. “Right now, the data shows improvement, and we also now have a much more robust testing and contract tracing program underway, which will allow us to better identify cases and isolate those who may have been infected. However, we are not out of the woods and if we see a dramatic spike in cases, we may have to increase restrictions. Our lives will not go back to normal for some time,” Gov. Edwards said. “I know this has been a trying time for our people, our churches and our businesses, and I am truly grateful for the continued adherence to mitigation measures designed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives. Louisianans are a remarkably strong and resilient people, and by working together, we will continue to protect each other and our state.”
Phase One will remain in effect until Friday, June 5, with the next update expected on Monday, June 1.
The governor outlined the reopening of several types of businesses with restrictions in place. He promised to have posted the information on the state’s website by Thursday, May 14, so everyone could read what is happening and what future plans are to reopen the economy. (Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana: Phase One)
The governor said churches and restaurants will be allowed to open while utilizing a 25 percent occupancy limit, sanitation guidelines and social distancing.
Gyms and fitness centers will open along with barber shops, hair and nail salons, casinos and video poker, theaters, racetracks, museums, zoos, aquariums and bars and breweries with LDH food permits. State buildings will reopen to the public with only 25 percent occupancy.
Business that will not reopen are bars and breweries without LDH food permits, pool halls, massage places, spas, tatoo parlors, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, fairs, contact sports, children’s play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, adult entertainment venues and other similar businesses.
The State Fire Marshal and the Louisiana Department of Health will be the agencies issuing guidelines for Phase One. The governor said business owners and faith leaders can register at OpenSafely.la.gov to receive updated information as well as guidance information.
The governor encouraged all business owners and others to read the guidelines to understand how Phase One affects their business.
