Stay-At-Home Order to Expire Friday

The Stay-At-Home order that was initially issued by Governor John Bel Edwards on March 22, 2020 will be allowed to expire on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Louisiana will enter what the governor is calling “Phase 1” for 21 days. The “Phase 1” proclamation will be issued Thursday, May 14, and will expire on June 5, 2020. The governor expects the next phase to be announced on June 1, 2020.

According to Governor Edwards, Louisiana now meets the guidelines set by the White House to start re-opening. “The people of Louisiana have worked really hard,” Governor Edwards said in a live-stream Monday afternoon. “I am proud and I want to thank the people of Louisiana for that.”

In Phase 1, there will still be three categories of businesses. Essential, non-essential, and closed.

The essential businesses, such as healthcare, will continue operations as they have been under the stay-at-home order. They will continue to practice social distancing when possible and have additional sanitation measures in place.

The governor stated that there are some businesses that must remain closed during Phase 1. He specifically mentioned tattoo parlors, spas, museums, bars without a Louisiana Department of Health food permit, and businesses that are for amusement only.

If you do not specifically fall under the essential group, as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and are not listed on the “closed” list, you will fall in the middle category of non-essential businesses.

These businesses will be allowed to open, but must follow specific guidelines. They include: hair and nail salons as well as gyms and fitness centers. All businesses in this category must reduce the total number of people in their business at one time to 25% of the maximum capacity, including employees and customers. They must also practice social distancing. Social distancing includes maintaining six feet between other people, and all tables, such as at restaurants, must be spaced at least 10 feet apart.

Businesses are urged to register at https://opensafely.la.gov/, which was created by the Office of the Governor and the Louisiana Fire Marshall’s Office to assist businesses in opening safely. The governor said Monday that this is not required to re-open, but he suggested utilizing the website.

More specific details will be released Thursday when the governor issues the new proclamation.