The Governor has started Phase Two in Louisiana, which means more businesses can operate with some restrictions in place to protect the public and their employees. Additional businesses will be able to operate in Phase Three.

Business owners should review the updated Phase Two 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. The Governor strongly urges people to wear masks or cloth face coverings when they are in public and interacting with members outside of their households.

As of September 11, 2020:

TYPE OF BUSINESS

CAN IT OPEN IN PHASE TWO?
Essential Business (as defined by the federal government)

Yes, all employees dealing with the public must wear face masks.

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

Yes, all employees dealing with the public must wear face masks, occupancy is limited to 50%.

 
Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops

Yes, all employees dealing with the public must wear face masks, occupancy is limited to 50%. Takeout, curbside pickup and outdoor service are allowed.

 
Churches and places of worship Yes, at 75% of occupancy, with social distancing and masks for public facing employees.
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.

 
Bars and breweries with LDH food permits Depends, for bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
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Bars and breweries without LDH food permits Depends, Parishes with a five percent or lower positivity rate for two consecutive weeks may opt-in to opening bars at 25 percent capacity or no more than 50 people.
Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums Yes, at 50% occupancy, with no “tactile” exhibits.
Beauty salons, barber shops, nail salons

Yes, at 50% occupancy and with appropriate protection measures.
Movie theaters Yes, at 50% occupancy.
Racetracks Yes, with an approved plan from the Louisiana Racing Commission.

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

 

No, but they may submit a plan to the State Fire Marshal to request consideration to reopen during Phase 2 or to begin planning for Phase 3. The SFM will consult with LDH about these opening plans, which will be at no more than 50% of occupancy.

 
Summer Camps Day camps may open under guidance from the Department of Education.
Massage establishments and spas, esthetician services Yes, at 50% occupancy and under strict guidance from the Board of Cosmetology.
Tattoo parlors Yes, at 50% occupancy and under strict guidance from LDH.
Tanning Salons Yes (beds only), at 50% occupancy. Air brush and hand applied tanning are NOT included.
Sleep Away Camps No
Community / Neighborhood Pools Yes, under strict guidance and at 50% occupancy.
Visits to Nursing Homes / Hospitals No

Reception Halls, Event Centers and Wedding Venues 

 Yes, Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals. Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
Pool halls, bowling alleys and skating rinks Yes, at 50% occupancy, but children MUST be accompanied by adults.
Outdoor playgrounds and play centers Yes, at 50% occupancy, but children MUST be accompanied by adults.
Live entertainment Live entertainment, including musical performances, is not permitted inside any building or indoor function.
Swimming Pools Yes, controlled commercial swimming facilities only.  Congregate recreational swimming facilities are NOT included.