Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne talks to KEEL News about what happens as Louisiana moves to Phase 2 of reopening the state.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced Monday we would be moving to the next phase on June 5th which is this Friday. This means restaurants can be open at 50% capacity. Bars and tattoo parlors are among the many businesses that can reopen.

But social distancing guidelines will be in place. Casinos can also have expanded visitors. Dardenne explains the new guidelines and he also talks about how federal money from the Cares Act will be funneled to local governments. Louisiana got $1.8 billion dollars.

Each governmental entity will have to show how they spent money in response to COVID-19.

Louisiana will be in Phase 2 for at least 3 weeks. An announcement about possibly moving to the next phase is expected on Monday, June 22nd. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has announced her city will not be moving to Phase 2 on Friday and will stick with the current limits outlined in Phase 1.

Governor John Bel Edwards says:

The people of Louisiana have done an incredible job flattening the curve here, and I’m thankful for their compliance and hard work. Likewise, the state has matched their efforts by ramping up both testing and contact tracing. All of this has allowed us to get to a place where we can move into Phase 2 on Friday.

But the Governor added:

As more people are out and about and occupancy increases and even more businesses operate, members of the public should be cautious as they enter businesses and leave any place that is not taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19, especially if employees interacting with the public are not wearing masks and customers are not being encouraged to do so as well.

Click here to see the full Phase 2 plan for Louisiana.

 

 

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