Louisiana is now in a modified Phase Three, which means businesses can operate with some restrictions in place to protect the public and their employees. 

Business owners should review the updated Phase Three order, as this is the best way to determine if they can open, and refer to guidance from the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) shared on OpenSafely.la.gov. No business is required to register at this site to reopen. Below is an overview of which businesses can be open.

Please note: employees that deal with the public MUST wear face masks when a business is open, and all businesses must practice social distancing. All members of the public must wear a mask or cloth face covering when they are in public and interacting with members outside of their households.

As of March 3rd

 

TYPE OF BUSINESS

CAN IT OPEN IN PHASE THREE?

Essential Business (as defined by the federal government)

Yes, all employees and the public must wear face masks.

 

Non-essential retail (sometimes called “gray area” businesses)

Yes, all employees dealing with the public and the public must wear face masks, occupancy is limited to 75%.

 

Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops

Yes, all employees and the public must wear face masks, occupancy is limited to 75%. Takeout, curbside pickup and outdoor service are allowed.

 

Churches and places of worship

Yes, with social distancing and masks for the public and employees. No occupancy limits.

 

Casinos and video poker establishments

Yes, with an approved plan from the Gaming Control Board; at 50% occupancy and with 75% of gaming positions. All employees and the public must wear masks.

 

Shopping malls

Yes, with an approved plan from the State Fire Marshal at 75% of occupancy, with food courts opened under restaurant guidance. All employees and the public must wear masks.

 

Gyms and fitness centers

Yes, at 50% occupancy, with enhanced sanitation. All employees and the public must wear masks.

 

Bars and breweries with LDH food permits

Yes, in all parishes at 25% occupancy. In parishes with a five percent or lower positivity rate for two consecutive weeks may opt-in to opening bars at 50% capacity. No more than 250 people.

 

Bars and breweries without LDH food permits

Yes, in all parishes at 25% occupancy. In parishes with a five percent or lower positivity rate for two consecutive weeks may opt-in to opening bars at 50% capacity. No more than 250 people.

 

Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums

Yes, at 75% occupancy, with no “tactile” exhibits. All employees and the public must wear masks.

 

Beauty salons, barber shops, nail salons

Yes, at 75% occupancy and with appropriate protection measures. All employees and the public must wear masks.

 

Movie theaters

Yes, at 75% occupancy. All employees and the public must wear masks.

Racetracks

Yes, with an approved plan from the Louisiana Racing Commission. All employees and the public must wear masks.

Places of amusement, like carnivals, fairs and festivals, amusement parks, water parks, fairs, contact sports, theme parks, arcades, trampoline parks and other similar businesses

 

They may submit a plan to the State Fire Marshal to request consideration to reopen.The SFM will consult with LDH about these opening plans, which will be at no more than 75% of occupancy.

 

Community / Neighborhood Pools

Yes, under strict guidance and at 75% occupancy. All employees and the public must wear masks.

Reception Halls, Event Centers and Wedding Venues

 

Yes, at  50% occupancy or 250 person capacity with social distancing enforced, whichever is less. All employees and the public must wear masks.

Pool halls, bowling alleys and skating rinks

Yes, at 75% occupancy, but children MUST be accompanied by adults. All employees and the public must wear masks.

Outdoor playgrounds and play centers

Yes, at 75% occupancy, but children MUST be accompanied by adults. All employees and the public must wear masks.

Live entertainment

Live entertainment may be authorized by the State Fire Marshal.