Louisiana moves to Phase 1; what’s open?

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - On Thursday, May 14, Governor John Bel Edwards officially signed the declaration allowing the state to enter Phase 1 of reopening effective Friday, May 15. The new phase loosens restrictions that were put in place in March, as a way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19.

According to the governor’s order, residents should still stay at home as much as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. Those who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should still stay at home, unless they are traveling outside of the home for essential activities, like buying food, medicine, or getting medical care.

The following types of locations were allowed to reopen Friday, with a limit in place of 25% of their normal capacity:

• Churches
• Restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes (including indoor table-side service)
• Movie theaters
• Zoos and aquariums (no touching exhibits)
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Hair and nail salons
• Retail stores with exterior exits (such as anchor stores at malls)
• Bars and breweries with a Louisiana Dept. of Health food permit

The following businesses reopened Monday, May 18:

• Shreveport Aquarium
• Shreveport’s OMV
• Casinos, video poker parlors, and racetracks (no spectators)

As of Sunday, May 17, there are 34,709 people with COVID-19 in the state, 26,249 recovered patients and 2,440 deaths.

The following types of businesses will remain closed:

• Massage establishments and spas
• Tattoo parlors
• Carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, and fairs
• Bars and breweries without LDH food permits
• Pool halls
• Contact sports
• Children’s play centers, playgrounds
• Theme parks
• Adult entertainment venues, and other similar businesses

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