One of the reasons that Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards extended the stay home order was because the state is not seeing case numbers declining yet is several regions.
That includes the region that includes St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena Parish.
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper says residents have been getting out more of late.
"During this Stay Home order, at first people were abiding by it," he said. "People are starting to get out a bit. They have cabin fever. They are getting out a bit, but many are still staying at home."
Edwards said that while the Southshore is seeing decreasing numbers of new cases of coronavirus, the Northshore is not there yet.
"Positive cases are on a plateau," Cooper said.
That is good enough for the St. Tammany President to call for more small retailers and offices to reopen on Friday.
"With the new order that I am putting out on May first, it will define and include small businesses and small professional offices which have under ten people will be allowed to open up," Cooper explained.
He says they will have to continue social distancing and have fewer than ten people in one place at any time.
Everyone will also have to keep their mouth and nose covered.
"They will be able to open provided that they wear masks," Cooper explained. "Masks are going to be a requirement now for employers, and their staff and their workers in all businesses that are open."
He wants customers and clients masked too.
"We're asking our citizens to take personal responsibility when it comes to wearing a mask in public."
Cooper's reopening order will not apply to restaurants, bars or entertainment venues.
Here is where you can get free masks in St. Tammany:
