To further combat the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, Governor Edwards issued a Stay at Home Order today, March 22, directing all Louisiana residents to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs.
YOU CAN
Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)
Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
Care for or support a friend or family member
Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise — just keep at least six feet between you and others.
Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary
Help someone to get necessary supplies
Receive deliveries from any business which delivers
YOU SHOULD NOT
Go to work unless you are providing essential services
Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility websites.
For businesses, the new Stay at Home order has limits on the following:
- All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, pool halls, children’s play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, any theaters, concert and music halls, adult entertainment venues, racetracks, and other similar businesses.
- All personal care and grooming businesses, including but not limited to, barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, spas, massage parlors, tattoo parlors, and other similar businesses.
- All malls, except for stores in a mall that have a direct outdoor entrance and exit that provide essential services and products as provided by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidelines.
- Businesses closed to the public as listed in the order can conduct necessary activities such as payroll, cleaning services, maintenance or upkeep as necessary.
- Any business not covered by the guidance from the CISA discussed in Section 3 of the order and not ordered to temporarily close must reduce operations to continue with minimum contact with members of the public and essential employees, while requiring proper social distancing, adhering to the 10-person limitation on gathering size.
- Early learning centers and child care facilities adhering to the guidance issued by the Louisiana Department of Education and Office of Public Health may continue to operate.
Examples of Essential Worker Functions under the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidelines include:
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- Mental health and Social Service workers
- Pharmacy employees
- Workers supporting groceries, pharmacies and other retail sales of food and beverage products
- Restaurant carryout and quick-serve food operations and food delivery employees
- Farmworkers
- Electricity and Utility Industry Employees
- Critical Manufacturing Employees (medical supply chains, energy, transportation, food, chemicals)
- Petroleum, Natural and Propane Gas Workers
- Transportation and Logistics Workers
- Communications and Information Technology Employees
In line with CDC and Government guidelines, the following have been postponed/cancelled until further notice:
• All organized (public or private) events on Parish property (Recreational Parks) are prohibited
• St. James Parish Recreational Sports are postponed
• All Parish Park Rentals between March 16, 2020 and April 18, 2020 are cancelled
• The St. James Parish Fitness Center is closed to the public
• St. James Parish Libraries are closed to the public
• Senior Centers are closed
• Transit services will be limited
• Keep It Moving Fitness Classes are postponed
• Department of Human Resources Emergency Assistance Program will be limited
• St. James Parish Welcome/Tourist Center is closed to the public
• St. James Parish Utility Offices are closed to the public. Please use over the phone, online, and on-site drop box as methods of payment.
DECLARATIONS & EXECUTIVE ORDERS:
Here are a few links for information regarding the Coronavirus and Preventative Measures:
Governor’s Office
Louisiana Department of Health
About Coronavirus
Preventing the Spread
Keeping Your Family Safe
St. James Parish Hospital: CoronaVirus Information