These materials are offered for consideration to our community - they should not be seen as a specific endorsement by the Chamber at this time. However, it is the goal of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber to empower our community to create their own Safe at Work plan for dealing with COVID issues that addresses business specific issues. We realize there is no one size fits all plan, and hope that you are able to use these resources to create a plan that works for your business. Please feel free to reach out to the Chamber for more information or with any questions you might have. We are here for you!

Update 11/24/2020: Gov. Edwards: Louisiana Steps Back to Phase 2 as COVID Cases and Hospitalizations Rise
Read the full statement from the Governors Office CLICK HERE
MAJOR CHANGES
Gov. Edwards’ updated order will go into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and will run for four weeks. The Governor intends to keep these restrictions in place at least through the end of the year.
- Click here to read the Governor’s updated order.
- Click here to view the data shared at the Governor’s media briefing.
Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Major changes to Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:
- All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
- All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
- All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
- 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.
- Retail businesses at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
- Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
- Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household. The State Fire Marshal will put out additional COVID mitigation measures to make services safer.
- Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
- Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
- 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.
- All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.
Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate is still in place. For complete guidance on the new Phase 2, visit the Open Safely portal at opensafely.la.gov.
Updated information from: OpenSafely.la.gov updated on 11/30/2020:
Link | Link Description | Uploaded On | |
---|---|---|---|
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Events or Event Venues | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Events or Event Venues | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Stadium, Arena, Ball Courts, Gymnasium, Outdoor Sports | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Stadiums, Arenas, Ball Courts, Gymnasiums, Outdoor Sports | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Pool hall, Bowling Alley, Skating Rink, or Arcade | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Pool halls, Bowling Alleys, Skating Rinks, or Arcades | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Personal Care Service (Close Contact) | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Personal Care Services | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Outdoor Playground or Play Center | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Outdoor Playgrounds or Play Centers | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Nightclub, Tavern or Bar | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Nightclubs, Taverns or Bars | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Museum or Aquarium | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Museums and Aquariums | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Movie Theater, Concert or Music Hall | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Movie Theaters, Concert or Music Halls | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Amusement Park, Sports Park, Fair, Carnival, Water Park, Haunted Houses, or Theme Park | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Parks, Carnivals and Haunted Houses | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Swimming Pools and Aquatic Venues | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Swimming Pools and Aquatic Venues | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Shopping or Retail Outlet | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Shopping or Retail Outlets | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Restaurant, Cafe, or Coffee Shop | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Restaurants, Cafes, and Coffee Shops | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, Nail Salon, or Tanning Salon | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Salons and Barber Shops | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Place of Worship | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Places of Worship | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Library | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Libraries | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Fitness Center or Health Club | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Fitness Centers or Health Clubs | 11/25/2020 |
Current | Return to Revised Phase 2- Business or Organization | Revised Phase 2 Guidelines for Business or Organization | 11/25/2020 |
Phase 2- Pools | Phase 2 Guidance for Pools | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 3- Places of Worship | Phase 3 Guidelines for Places of Worship | 11/2/2020 | |
Phase 2- Places of Worship | Phase 2 Guidance for Places of Worship | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Fitness Centers | Phase 2 Guidance for Fitness Centers | 7/12/2020 | |
Phase 3- Other Amusements | Phase 3 Guidelines for Other Amusements | 10/12/2020 | |
Phase 3- Indoor and Outdoor Sports, Racing | Phase 3 Guidelines for Indoor/Outdoor Sports and Racing | 9/14/2020 | |
Phase 3- Museums Zoos Aquariums | Phase 3 Guidelines for Museums, Zoos, Aquariums | 10/22/2020 | |
Phase 3- Event Venues | Phase 3 Guidance for Event Venues | 9/18/2020 | |
Phase 3- Shopping and Retail | Phase 3 Guidelines for Shopping and Retail | 9/12/2020 | |
Phase 3- Libraries | Phase 3 Guidelines for Libraries | 9/12/2020 | |
Phase 3- Swimming Pools and Aquatic Facilities | Phase 3 Guidelines for Swimming Pools and Aquatic Facilities | 9/12/2020 | |
Phase 3- Restaurants Cafes Bars | Phase 3 Guidelines for Restaurants, Cafes, Bars | 9/30/2020 | |
Phase 3- Tattoo Massage Esthetician | Phase 3 Guidelines for Tattoo, Massage, Esthetician | 9/11/2020 | |
Phase 3- Salons Barbers Tanning | Phase 3 Guidelines for Salons, Barbers, Tanning | 9/15/2020 | |
Phase 3- Movie Theaters | Phase 3 Guidelines for Movie Theaters | 9/11/2020 | |
Phase 3- Fitness Centers and Health Clubs | Phase 3 Guidelines for Fitness Centers and Health Clubs | 10/13/2020 | |
Phase 3- Business and Organizations | Phase 3 Guidelines for Businesses and Organizations | 9/11/2020 | |
Temporary School Partition Guidance | Temporary School Partition Guidance | 8/13/2020 | |
Return to School Certification | Return to School Certification | 8/4/2020 | |
Return to Work Certification | Return to Work Certification | 8/4/2020 | |
Return to Work Guidance | Return to Work Guidance | 7/27/2020 | |
Face Covering Order Guidance | Face Covering Order Guidance | 9/16/2020 | |
Phase 2- Other Amusements | Phase 2 Guidance for Other Amusements | 7/12/2020 | |
Phase 2-Arcades Bowling Alleys Skating Rinks Pool Halls | Phase 2 Guidance for Arcades/Bowling Alleys/Skating Rinks/Pool Halls | 7/12/2020 | |
Phase 2- Outdoor Playcenters/Playgrounds | Phase 2 Guidance for Outdoor Playcenters and Playgrounds | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Outdoor Sports, Racing | Phase 2 Guidance for Outdoor Sports & Racing | 6/5/2020 | |
Phase 2- Event Venues | Phase 2 Guidance for Event Venues | 9/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Tattoo, Massage, Esthetician | Phase 2 Guidance for Tattoo Shops, Massage Parlors and Esthetician Services | 6/5/2020 | |
Phase 2- Salons, Barber Shops, Tanning | Phase 2 Guidance for Salons, Barber Shops, Tanning | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Business/Organizations/Other | Phase 2 Guidance for Businesses, Organizations or Other Business Types Not Closed | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Movie Theaters | Phase 2 Guidance for Movie Theaters | 6/5/2020 | |
Phase 2- Libraries | Phase 2 Guidance for Libraries | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Museums/Zoos/Aquariums | Phase 2 Guidance for Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, Etc. | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Shopping Malls/Retail Stores | Phase 2 Guidance for Shopping Malls and Retail Stores | 6/4/2020 | |
Phase 2- Restaurants/Bars | Phase 2 Guidance for Restaurants/Bars Etc. | 7/23/2020 | |
Phase 1 Documents | Phase 1 Documents | ||
Phase 1- Salons/Barber Shops | Phase 1 Guidance for Salons/Barber Shops | 5/21/2020 | |
Phase 1- Outdoor Sports | Phase 1 Guidance for Outdoor Sports | 5/20/2020 | |
Phase 1-Shopping Malls/Retail Stores | Phase 1 Guidance for Shopping Malls/Retail Stores | 5/15/2020 | |
Phase 1- Business/Organization | Phase 1 Guidance for Business/Organization | 5/14/2020 | |
Phase 1- Fitness Center/Health Club | Phase 1 Guidance for Fitness Centers/Health Clubs | 5/14/2020 | |
Phase 1- Libraries | Phase 1 Guidance for Libraries | 5/14/2020 | |
Phase 1- Movie Theaters | Phase 1 Guidance for Movie Theaters | 5/14/2020 | |
Phase 1- Museums/Zoos/Aquariums | Phase 1 Guidance for Museums/Zoos/Aquariums | 5/14/2020 | |
Phase 1-Places of Worship | Phase 1 Guidance for Places of Worship | 5/14/2020 | |
Phase 1- Restaurants | Phase 1 Guidance for Restaurants Etc. | 5/14/2020 |
Businesses in Louisiana are encouraged to register at opensafely.la.gov in order to reopen and receive guidance as the state moves through a phased reopening.
Other resources:
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health posts updated case numbers everyday at noon online at LDH.Louisiana.gov/coronavirus.
Questions?
If you have questions about coronavirus, please contact the Louisiana 211 Network by dialing dial 211. Or, you can text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available.
Stressed about COVID-19? We're here to talk.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, fear and anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding this public health emergency, there is a special Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline you can call. This connects you to trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and who can direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services.
Call 1-866-310-7977 24/7
Trained counselors available 24/7. All calls are confidential.
Volunteer Resources
Because of our critical need for healthcare workers, we have created a medical volunteer website in order to mobilize healthcare students and graduates from Louisiana universities and colleges to support the existing healthcare workforce that is quickly getting stretched thin. The website is also available to active members or retirees of Louisiana’s healthcare workforce who are willing and able to assist.
http://covid-19lavolunteers.org/
Delta is stepping up to help Louisiana during this trying time. Any volunteer healthcare workers trying to come to Louisiana can do so for free on Delta Airliines. Before arriving, healthcare workers have to register and become credentialed through Louisiana Volunteers in Action at lava.dhh.louisiana.gov.
If your workplace has temporarily closed or you have been told to take unpaid time off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
To file a claim, go to www.louisianaworks.net/hire or call 866-783-5567.
Medicaid Resources
If you have lost your job or if you have reduced hours you may be eligible for Medicaid.
You can apply online at MyMedicaid.la.gov.
You can also apply by phone by calling 1-888-342-6207 or by mail by sending information to:
Louisiana Medicaid
P.O. Box 91283
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Local Medicaid offices are currently closed to the public. If additional assistance is needed, you can call 1-888-342-6207.
Business Resources
SBA offers a three-step process for disaster loans explained here. To get started immediately, visit SBA.gov/Disaster.
Louisiana Economic Development also is offering COVID-19: Business Resources, an online guide to assistance available for impacted businesses. Look for updates to the guide at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Homeowner Resources
FHFA has established a dedicated webpage with relevant updates and resources available here: www.fhfa.gov/coronavirus.
Renter Resources
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) COVID-19 Hotline: 1-844-244-7871
Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Central Standard Time
Online applications are also available at www.slls.org.
SNAP
For information about SNAP or an application, Louisiana residents can text GETSNAP (no spaces) to 898211, email LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov or call 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578).
Food Bank info
For information on your local foodbank, click here.
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration has approved that ALL 64 Louisiana parishes are eligible for COVID-19 business aid.
Louisiana businesses may apply as follows:
- https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
- Call Toll Free 1-800-659-2955
- TTY: 1-800-877-8339
- e-mail: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

Keeping our employees and customers safe is the best way to reopen our economy and keep it open.
Included below are healthcare supported recommendations to help businesses reopen and operate safely.
