New Orleans is doing reopening a little differently, and with a few more regulations, than the state requires.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced that most businesses, restaurants, attractions, and churches will be able to reopen at 25 percent of their maximum occupancy. But there are a few specific regulations from some businesses.
Restaurants will have to take reservations, and the record of those reservations must be retained for 21 days. The zoo, the aquarium, and museums will be required to stagger admissions and also require reservations. The mayor has said she wanted businesses to keep track of customers to aid in contact tracing.
Churches will be allowed to host worshipers, but at either 25 percent of maximum occupancy or 100 people, whichever is smaller. In other words, a small church with a maximum occupancy of 100 would only be able to have 25 people inside. A larger church with an occupancy limit in the hundreds or thousands must limit occupancy to no more than 100.
While most of the rest of the state will start "phase one" of reopening Friday, the city won't begin phase one until 6:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16.
Operations Allowed in Phase One
Bolded items are specific requirements for businesses operating in Orleans Parish:
SHOPPING MALLS AND RETAIL STORES
- Stores with exterior entrances limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy. Stores within malls with no exterior entrances remain closed.
- Curb-side pickup and online shopping are highly encouraged.
FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Restaurants with table service should utilize a reservation or appointment system.
- Only bars with a Louisiana Department of Health food permit are allowed to serve food with same restrictions as restaurant.
- Outdoor seating is allowed.
- Indoor seating is limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy.
- Tables must be arranged to keep parties at least six feet away from others.
- Take-out and delivery are highly encouraged.
- No restaurant or food service establishment should serve any alcoholic beverage to a patron who is not also purchasing food.
- Video poker is not allowed.
BEAUTY SALONS, BARBER SHOPS, AND NAIL SALONS
- Service by reservation or appointment only.
- Limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy.
- Chairs must be arranged to keep people at least six feet away from others.
- Gloves must be worn and changed between customers.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP
- Services are limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
- No choirs permitted.
- Six feet of distance between people and small groups must be maintained and crowd managers must be provided.
- Seniors and people with serious medical conditions should continue to stay home.
- Interior gathering spaces (ie fellowship halls, classrooms) cannot be used.
- Community assistance services are permitted.
- Online or drive-up services are highly encouraged.
CHILDCARE, EARLY LEARNING CENTERS, K-12 SCHOOL AND EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS
- Limited to 10 people per group, including adults.
- Contact sports are not permitted.
MOVIE THEATERS
- Limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
- Six feet of distance between people and small groups must be maintained and crowd managers must be provided.
- Seniors and people with serious medical conditions should continue to stay home.
- Interior gathering spaces cannot be used.
MUSEUMS, ZOOS, AQUARIUMS
- Limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy.
- Admission must be staggered using an appointment or reservation system.
- Six feet of distance between people and small groups must be maintained and crowd managers must be provided.
- Seniors and people with serious medical conditions should continue to stay home.
- Interior gathering spaces cannot be used.
GYMS AND FITNESS CENTERS
- Limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy.
- Contact sports and group fitness classes are not allowed.
- Individual personal training allowed without physical touching and with strict social distancing.
- Equipment and exercise areas must be arranged to keep people at least six feet away from others.
- No use of locker rooms, showers, saunas, or spas allowed.
OFFICE BUILDINGS AND BUSINESSES
- People who can work from home should continue to do so.
- Limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy.
- Conference rooms limited to 10 people with six feet between each individual.
- Virtual meetings are highly encouraged.
LIBRARIES
- Limited to 25 percent of permitted occupancy.
- Storytime or other group events are not permitted.
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACES, SPORTS COMPLEXES, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
- Parks and playgrounds can reopen, but residents must avoid close contact with others.
- Permitted sports include running, biking, lap swimming, tennis, golf, archery, curling, softball, and baseball. No spectating from bleachers nor dugout use will be allowed.
- Contact sports are not permitted.
RACETRACKS
- No spectators allowed.
- Casinos and video poker not allowed.
Not Allowed in Phase One
- Casinos and video poker (not allowed in Orleans Parish)
- Spas, tattoo and massage parlors
- Live entertainment, amusement, and event venues
- Children’s museums
- Bars without food permits
- Private gatherings with more than a reasonable household size
