Changes in Louisiana During the COVID-19 Phase One Reopening

Published May 15, 2020
Updated Jun 1, 2020

UPDATE > Louisiana Will Move Into Phase 2 of the Coronavirus Reopening on June 5
Continue reading below for more information about phase 1 reopening in Louisiana.

As some businesses in Louisiana start to reopen or expand services on May 15 as the COVID-19 restrictions begin to be relaxed, the governor and Louisiana State Police have a few things to keep in mind. There are also easy to understand lists letting you know what will be open, what will remain closed, and what will remain the same during phase one reopening.

From the Office of Governor John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana State Police – Louisiana will enter into Phase One on Friday, May 15, when the Stay at Home order will be lifted and more businesses will open with strict social distancing, enhanced sanitation, and required masks for employees helping the public.

Louisianans should still stay at home as much as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. People who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should still stay at home unless they are traveling outside of the home for an essential activity.

Thanks to the hard work of the people of Louisiana under the Stay at Home order, we have seen declining new COVID-19 cases & hospitalizations. This, coupled with increased testing and contact tracing capacity, is what is allowing us to move to Phase One on Friday.

This is not mission accomplished or a victory against COVID-19, but it is a positive and hopeful move for Louisiana.

What Will Be Open, What Will Remain Closed, and What Will Remain the Same During Phase One Reopening

What Will Be Open

With 25 percent occupancy limits, sanitation guidelines and spacing for physical distancing

• Retail
• Places of worship
• Restaurants
• Gyms & fitness centers
• Barbershops & hair & nail salon
• Casino & video poker (50% of gaming positions will be open, but there will still be a 25% occupancy limit.)
• Theaters
• Museums, zoos, & aquariums
• Bars & breweries with LDH food permits

What Will Remain Closed

• Massage & spa establishments
• Tattoo parlors
• Amusement & water parks
• Children’s play centers & playgrounds
• Contact sports
• Pool halls
• Bars & breweries without LDH food permits
• Adult entertainment venues
• Other similar venues

What Remains The Same

• Maintain social distancing & stay 6 feet apart from others
• Practice good hygiene & wash hands frequently
• Wear a mask or face-covering in public
• Stay home if you are sick or if you are at high risk for COVID-19