Louisiana to Enter Phase Two to Reopen the State June 5th

Louisiana Governor Edwards signed an official order on June 4th to enter Phase Two of reopening the state for business starting June 5th. In Phase Two, many businesses will be allowed to now operate at a 50% capacity (previously 25%) and some businesses are able to open that were previously closed in Phase One. The 50% capacity counts both the number of employees and members of the public as determined by the State Fire Marshal.

Businesses also have to ensure social distancing, require public-facing employees to wear masks, and provide increased sanitation. In addition, the state strongly recommends but doesn't require businesses to consider temperature checks before a person can enter, and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter.

Businesses that can operate at 50% occupancy in Phase Two (previously at 25%) include:

Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
Bars and breweries with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) food permits.
Shopping malls (including food courts, following restaurant guidance)
Gyms and fitness centers
Barbers, beauty shops and nail salons
Movie theaters
Racetracks (with an approved plan from the Louisiana Racing Commission)

Businesses that can open in Phase Two at 50% occupancy (previously closed in Phase One) include:

Massage establishments, spas, and tattoo establishments (under strict guidance from LDH)
Esthetician services (under strict guidance from the Cosmetology Board)
Pool halls, bowling alleys and skating rinks (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
Event centers and wedding venues
Outdoor playgrounds and play centers (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Bars and breweries without LDH food permits may also open during Phase Two, but it must be at 25% occupancy with strict social distancing requirements.

The following businesses remain closed:

Carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, fairs
Children’s indoor play centers
Theme parks, concert and music halls, and other similar businesses.
Contact sports
Live entertainment is not permitted inside any building or indoor function.

However, any business that is directed to be closed in the Phase Two order may petition to reopen under a plan approved by the State Fire Marshal in consultation with Louisiana Department of Health. The State Fire Marshal may approve this plan or offer guidance on how the business may reopen in Phase Three.

For more information, visit OpenSafely.la.gov for guidance and updates from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Health. Business owners can register with this site which will allow you to receive updated communication, notifications, and helpful guidance via email specific to your business type. You can also download documents for guidance related to your specific type of business here.

For a guide listing businesses that can be open at any given time, visit gov.louisiana.gov/page/can-this-business-open.

Published: 06/05/2020

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