Across the state of Louisiana - malls and restaurants are opening up, albeit with restrictions. Malls can start offering curbside service, and restaurants can open and offer outside seating but with no staff service to the tables. The new guidelines apply to the state and not the city of New Orleans - which remains under the stricter orders of Mayor Latoya Cantrell.
Today - many businesses in all neighboring states are allowed to open with social distancing and mask-wearing mandates in effect, and Gulf Coast beaches are opening up as we head toward Memorial Day 2020.
The threat of the coronavirus spreading lies more in the behavior of consumers than on the businesses that open. It should be required for all businesses that are opening to enforce strict social distancing and mask-wearing orders - but much of the responsibility for being responsible is up to consumers.
Evidence that too many people are still not social distancing was obvious today when the US Air Force and National Guard dedicated a flyover to salute the medical personnel who have been on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19. On the levee at the Mississippi River across from Ochsner Hospital between Jefferson Hwy. and River Road a large crowd gathered to witness the flyover that was a tribute to medical workers. However, many of the people from this hospital were gathered together defying the common sense logic of social distancing. Many were wearing masks and social distancing - but many were not. It was surprising that people who were being honored by our military would not have been 100% aware of the current public protocol.
If you go to a restaurant, a beach, a grocery store or pick up curbside delivery - wear a mask and practice social distancing. Enough medical experts have told us that if WE honor these simple rules then WE will stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
The continuing disregard for basic rules to end this crisis is perplexing. Shouldn’t we all be willing to make these minor sacrifices so we can re-open our country?