Phase One Of Re-Opening Louisiana: What Does That Mean?

Governor Edwards' announcement brings Louisiana one step closer to re-opening with the implementation of Phase One of the plan from the Trump Administration. It goes into effect on Friday, May 15, 2020. But what does that mean for businesses in Louisiana? Well, we're getting a better idea.

Indoor church services can resume, but with a cap of 25% of the permitted capacity according to the State Fire Marshal. Similar guidelines would be applied to restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters.

Hair salons will also be opening with a 25% limit on capacity as permitted by the State Fire Marshal. But spas, massage parlors, and tattoo shops will remain closed along with bars and other places of public amusement.

Here is a list published by State Representative Richard Nelson:

• Churches will be able to conduct indoor service at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity, with continued allowance for additional outdoor seating with SFM guidance on social distancing. In line with this, indoor funerals and weddings may resume indoor at 25% capacity of the building and may continue outdoor services with no crowd size limitation as long as social distancing is practiced.

• All non-CISA and non-closed businesses will be able to be open to the public at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity.

• Restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes will be able to be open to the public for indoor table service at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity, with continued allowance for additional outdoor seating with SFM guidance on social distancing.

• Bars that hold an LDH food service certificate will be able to do or take-out and delivery of food and alcohol and dine-in seating in line with State Fire Marshal guidance on social distancing for restaurants, with no more than 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity. No on site consumption will be allowed if not seated at SFM approved seating.

• Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to be open to the public at 25% of their capacity. The State Fire Marshal and LDH will be issuing guidance on social distancing and sanitization.

• Anchor stores of shopping malls with exterior doors accessible by the public will be allowed to be open to the public at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity. Interior mall stores can continue to offer their goods for sale to the public for curbside delivery only.

• Movie theaters may be open to the public at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity, with new guidance from SFM and LDH on social distancing and sanitation.

• Casinos and video poker may be open in line with guidance from Gaming Control Board and the Louisiana Racing Commission and at no more than 25% of their capacity and gaming positions. Racetracks may open for races without spectators only if approved by the Louisiana Racing Commission.

• Museums, zoos, and aquariums may be open to the public at 25% of their capacity, with no organized tours and no tactile exhibits. Children's museums remain closed.

• Barbers, hair salons, and nail salons may be open to the public at 25% of their capacity with SFM guidance on social distancing.

• Massage establishments, spas, tattoo parlors, and all other places of public amusement from 52 JBE 2020 remain closed.