Louisiana Will Move Into Phase 2 of the Coronavirus Reopening on June 5

Published June 1, 2020
Updated Jun 1, 2020, at 9:10 PM

After ongoing improvements in Coronavirus health metrics in the state, Louisiana will move to phase 2 of reopening on June 5, 2020.

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 will now be able to operate at 50% of their capacity. Bars that do not have LDH food permits will also be able to open in Louisiana, but only at 25% capacity. In addition to those changes, bowling alleys and pool halls will be 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 pending approval by the Gaming Control Board. A full 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 will last at least 21 days. At that time, Coronavirus health metrics will be revisited to determine if the state will move into phase 3 of reopening.

The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are encouraged to continue to stay home and everyone is encouraged to wear a mask when in public during phase 2.

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)
• Bars and breweries with LDH food permits
• 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)

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