Louisiana Covid-19: Phase 3

There is a great deal of concern about just how much the COVID-19 guidelines should be followed with some activities returning, especially high school football and other public activities. Certainly, families are ready to engage in extra-curricular activities. However, everyone should follow guidelines as given by schools because schools are following state mandates to keep everyone as safe as possible. Residents of the public will still be allowed to go to grocery stores and pharmacies to pick up food, medicine and necessary supplies, go to their essential jobs and to go outside for exercise and fresh air. When leaving home, people should wear masks and continue to practice social distancing. Phase 3 did not bring about a lot of changes, especially not enough for people to become totally relaxed. With Louisiana moving into Phase 3, it meant further opening of most businesses and even allowing bars to reopen in some parishes. Businesses such as restaurants, spas, gyms, etc. will be allowed to open at 75% while still following social distancing guidelines. Bars can reopen on a parish-by-parish basis IF the parish is testing under 5% positivity for two weeks. If they meet the criteria, parish leaders still must approve the reopening. Those bars will be 25% occupancy and open for table service ONLY. Casinos will stay under Phase 2 rules: 50% capacity. On premise alcohol sales will end at 10 p.m. for all restaurants, bars, casinos, etc. Nobody under 21-years-old will be allowed in these reopened bars. Social gatherings such as weddings or parties will be capped at 50% or 250 people, whichever is lower. Same for any outdoor events. Sporting events sch as high school football will be capped at 25% capacity. Social distancing is required. Nursing homes will not allow visitors, but the LDH is working on a new program to facilitate outdoor visits in parishes with under 5% positivity in their testing. The governor emphasizes that the mask mandate and all other recommendations for stopping the spread of COVID-19 will be still be included in Phase 3. The governor also states that these guidelines will reflect major changes until a vaccine is released. It is important to accept that the Coronavirus is not gone. Louisiana’s statewide 211 network is continuing to answer calls about COVID-19. This network is best designed and staffed to handle the large volume of calls from Louisiana residents who are concerned and who have questions about the virus. In addition to dialing 211, one can also text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for updates about the outbreak as they become available.