Governor Jon Bel Edwards just extended Louisiana’s statewide stay-at-home order through May 15 while also providing a lifeline to some businesses that can immediately start the slow process of reopening. The order was set to expire on April 30, but Governor Edwards believes the state does not meet the criteria set forth by the federal government to fully begin to re-open. What do employers need to know about the stay-at-home order that remains in effect and this latest development?

Restaurants And Malls Allowed To Resume Limited Business

Details about the now-extended stay-at-home order can be found here. However, the governor just modified the order to loosen some of the current restrictions for businesses.

• Restaurants may allow customers who order take out to dine in outdoor eating areas as long as table service is not provided.
• Malls will also be allowed to operate curbside retail services, having been closed since the stay at home order was issued on March 23.

Once the stay-at-home order expires on May 16, many businesses currently closed will be allowed to operate again at a reduced 25% occupancy. However, the details for many of those businesses, such as restaurants, are still being worked out.

Facemasks Now Required

While the new order loosened some restrictions, it enacted new measures. Governor Edwards mandated that all public-facing employees wear face masks, having previously encouraged the practice of wearing masks when in public areas.