Louisiana is going to lift its stay-at-home order regarding coronavirus.
Governor John Bel Edwards announced Monday the state will move into Phase One of its recovery plan on Friday.
“Because of the Stay at Home order, Louisianans were able to dramatically improve our trajectory, reduce the number of new cases, keep our health care system from being overrun and save lives," said Gov. Edwards. "It is because of this hard work that I, in consultation with public health experts and business and industry leaders, feel confident that all across the state we can move forward with entering into Phase One."
During this phase, the following will be able to open with restrictions:
- Restaurants, coffee shops and cafes
- Churches
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Barbers and salons
- Casinos and Video Poker
- Theatres
- Racetracks (no spectators allowed)
- Museums, Zoos, Aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
- Stores with exterior entrance at malls
- Bars and Breweries with LDH food permit (takeout, delivery, dine-in seating only)
Only 25% of an establishment's occupancy will be allowed inside at any one time, including customers and staff, to allow for physical distancing. Regular cleaning protocols must also be in place.
Remaining closed during Phase One will be tattoo parlors, spas, bars without food permits, children's museums, amusement parks and massage establishments, according to officials from the Governor's office.
State health officials are also encouraging high-risk individuals to continue to stay-at-home as much as possible to limit their possible exposure to COVID-19, including those 65 and older, long-term care facility residents, and those who are immuno-compromised and have poor control over health conditions such as diabetes or high-blood pressure.
Phase One is expected to last until at least mid-June.
Residents looking for more information about the phased reopening should visit coronavirus.la.gov or call 211. Businesses that need to register for reopening should visit opensafely.la.gov
Over 2,200 people have died in the state from the virus in Louisiana.
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