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!
- The statewide mask mandate will remain in place.
- Restaurants, spas, salons, gyms and many other businesses can now operate at 75% capacity – if they can maintain social distancing.
- Indoor social gatherings will be limited to the lesser of 250 people or 50% capacity of the facility. Outdoors, crowd sizes are limited to 50 percent capacity, up to 250 people, if people will be in close proximity and social distancing is not possible.
- Bars in parishes where the COVID-19 positivity rate is 5% or below for four weeks can open if parish leaders allow. Currently, 5 out of the state’s 64 parishes meet this requirement and could opt in for bars to reopen, including Bienville, Jeff Davis, Orleans, St. John and Plaquemines.
- Bars must close at 11 p.m., with the last call for drinks at 10 p.m.
- Bars are restricted to 25% customer capacity, with up to 50 customers indoors. Outdoor bar spaces are also limited to 50 customers, and all bar patrons must be seated at tables and receive tableside service from bar staff, rather than ordering at the counter.
- No live music will be allowed in bars. When re-opened, no one under the age of 21 is permitted in any bar.
- Restaurants must also stop on-premises alcohol sales at 10 p.m.
- Casinos will stay at 50% capacity and 75% of their gaming positions. They will also be required to end on-site alcohol sales at 10 p.m.
- Sporting events, like college football games, will operate at a lesser capacity of 25% and without alcohol sales.
Updated information from: OpenSafely.la.gov updated on 9/14/2020:
| Phase 3- Museums Zoos Aquariums | Phase 3 Guidelines for Museums, Zoos, Aquariums | 9/12/2020 |
| Phase 3- Event Venues | Phase 3 Guidance for Event Venues | 9/12/2020 |
| 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 | 9/11/2020 |
| 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 | 9/11/2020 |
| Phase 3- Places of Worship | Phase 3 Guidelines for Places of Worship | 9/11/2020 |
| 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 | 9/12/2020 |
| 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 | 7/21/2020 |
| 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- Fitness Centers | Phase 2 Guidance for Fitness Centers | 7/12/2020 |
| 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- Pools | Phase 2 Guidance for Pools | 6/4/2020 |
| Phase 2- Restaurants/Bars | Phase 2 Guidance for Restaurants/Bars Etc. | 7/23/2020 |
| Phase 2- Places of Worship | Phase 2 Guidance for Places of Worship | 6/4/2020 |
| 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.
