Louisiana Will Remain in Phase 2 of the Coronavirus Reopening Until at Least August 28

Published June 1, 2020
Updated August 6, 2020

After little improvement over that last month, Louisiana will remain in phase 2 of Coronavirus reopening until at least August 28, 2020.

In a press release on August 4, Edwards did provide some positive information saying “Louisiana is beginning to see the positive impact of the mask mandate in its COVID-19 data, including a decline in the number of people who are reporting to emergency rooms with COVID-like symptoms, decreasing new cases across the state and declining or plateauing hospitalizations in many regions of our state.” It was also mentioned at the press conference that “In its weekly recommendations to the state, the White House Coronavirus Taskforce specifically recommends continuing both the statewide mask mandate and the closure of bars to on-premises consumption.” 

On June 1, 2020, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said in a press conference that the state will be moving into phase 2 of reopening during the COVID-19 Pandemic on June 5. In phase 2, restaurants, retailers, and other businesses that were operating at 25% capacity are able to operate at 50% of their capacity. In addition to those changes, bowling alleys and pool halls are able to open with some restrictions as well as body art facilities, and recreational pools and spas. During this phase, casinos in the state will be allowed to increase to 50% capacity with 75% of gaming positions operating.

A list of the types of businesses that can and cannot reopen during phase 2 can be found near the bottom of this article.

Phase 2 was originally planned to be at least 21 days with conditions in the state being reevaluated to determine if Louisiana should remain in phase 2 or make changes. On July 21, 2020, Governor Edwards had a press conference and indicated that the state of Louisiana will remain in phase 2 until at least August 7, 2020. On August 4, 2020, Edwards again extended phase 2 on Coronavirus reopening in Louisiana. Phase 2 will now continue until at least August 28, 2020

The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are encouraged to continue to stay home and a mask mandate is in effect for the entire state. 

New Orleans officials have indicated that the city will not move into phase 2 at this time, but they will be relaxing some of the restrictions that weren’t relaxed under phase 1.

The phases in the reopening follow President Trump’s guidelines for reopening America.

Businesses that will be able to open at 50 percent occupancy include:

• Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
• Shopping malls (including food courts, following restaurant guidance)
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Barber and beauty shops and nail salons
• Movie theaters
• Racetracks (not open to spectators)
• Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
• 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)
• Event Centers and wedding venues
• Outdoor playgrounds and play centers (children must be accompanied by an adult)
• Bars (To-go orders only. No on-premises consumption allowed)
• Casinos ( 50% capacity with 75% of gaming positions open)

Arcades and trampoline parks may open under approved plans by the State Fire Marshal, with minors accompanied by parents.

Summer camps were allowed to open with restrictions in Phase One, and additional guidance will be issued. Sleep-away camps are not allowed in Phase Two.

The following businesses remain closed:

• Carnivals
• Amusement Parks & water parks
• Fairs
• Contact sports
• Children’s indoor play centers
• Theme parks
• Concert and music halls and other similar businesses
• Live entertainment is not permitted inside any building or indoor function