Government Issued Orders and Guidance

As Louisiana and the nation continue making strides in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the significant drop in cases and hospitalizations and the wide availability of safe and effective vaccines, for the first time in 24 months, Gov. John Bel Edwards will not renew his COVID public health emergency order when it expires this week. Gov. Edwards made the announcement on March 14 in his address at the opening of Louisiana’s 2022 Regular Legislative Session.

Gov. Edwards extended Louisiana’s COVID public health emergency order to support Louisiana’s response to the pandemic, but without any remaining required mitigation measures. While masks are not required statewide in Louisiana, there are still federal regulations requiring them in health care settings and on transit. In addition, local governments, school districts and businesses may choose to require masks as they see fit, based on the level of COVID in their communities.  View the updated order here.

Gov. Edwards extended Louisiana’s Public Health Emergency order related to COVID-19, including a provision allowing all state government agencies to require mask wearing, given the fast-spreading Omicron variant, which is now the dominant strain in the United States and Louisiana according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State agencies in the Governor’s Cabinet will begin requiring masks of employees and visitors. View the updated order here.

On October 26, Governor Edwards lifted the statewide mask mandate in all setting except K-12 schools. Masks will still be mandated by federal regulation, including on mass transit and in health care facilities. They will not be mandated in most places, including government buildings, college and university campuses and businesses. School districts may opt out of the mask mandate if they choose to, but only if they continue to adhere to CDC quarantine guidance. View the order.

On September 28, Governor Edwards extended Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate indoors for all people age five and older. Face coverings are highly encouraged for those ages two to four as tolerated. The mandate will be in place until October 27. View the order.

The order requires face coverings for everyone age 5 or older or enrolled in kindergarten, except for the following:

• Anyone who has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering
• Anyone who is consuming a drink or food 
• Anyone who is trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired 
• Anyone who is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience 
• Anyone temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes

On August 31, Governor Edwards extended Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate indoors for all people age five and older as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across Louisiana. Face coverings are highly encouraged for those ages two to four as tolerated. The mandate will be in place until at least September 29. View the order.

The order requires face coverings for everyone age 5 or older or enrolled in kindergarten, except for the following:

• Anyone who has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering
• Anyone who is consuming a drink or food 
• Anyone who is trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired 
• Anyone who is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience 
• Anyone temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes

On August 2, Governor Edwards temporarily reinstated Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate indoors for all people age five and older as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across Louisiana. Face coverings are highly encouraged for those ages two to four as tolerated. The mandate will be in place until at least September 1. View the order.

The order requires face coverings for everyone age 5 or older or enrolled in kindergarten, except for the following:

• Anyone who has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering
• Anyone who is consuming a drink or food 
• Anyone who is trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired 
• Anyone who is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience 
• Anyone temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes

On May 25, Gov. Edwards signed an updated public health emergency order that removes all remaining business capacity restrictions and the vast majority of masking requirements. Local governments and businesses may choose to have stronger restrictions than the state, including mandating masks. Masks will be required in educational settings until the end of the current academic semester at which time state and local oversight boards will set their own masking policies. Masks continue to be required in healthcare settings, which is a federal mandate. In addition, masks are required on public transportation and in jails and prisons, as per federal guidance. View the updated order here.

On May 14, Governor Edwards announced that based on the recommendations by the CDC and in consultation with the Louisiana Dept. of Health, those who are fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks indoors except in certain situations including: educational facilities, public transit, correctional settings, and health care facilities as regulated by LDH. Businesses may decide whether to continue requiring patrons to wear masks and are not limited by the revised proclamation. Further, local governments will continue to be able to make decisions to have further restrictions, including face covering requirements, in place. View the proclamation.

Following months of sustained improvement in COVID hospitalizations and an increase in the supply and availability of vaccines, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that some mitigation measures will be eased and, starting Wednesday, April 28, the statewide mask mandate will be lifted.

Mask policies in Louisiana will be set by local leaders and business owners. Under the Governor’s new public health order, masks will still be required on public transit and in state government buildings, K-12 schools, early childhood education centers, colleges and universities, and healthcare facilities.

The order the Governor signed April 27, 2021 also eases restrictions on live music and allows some businesses, like salons, to re-open their waiting areas. Outdoor events will no longer have crowd limitations.

• Social distancing and masking are recommended by both the state of Louisiana and the CDC.
• Lifting of the mask mandate does not affect the COVID-19 liability protections that were enacted by the Louisiana Legislature which require businesses and schools to follow the recommendations of state and federal health authorities, all of which recommend continued mask wearing.
• For theaters, event spaces, festivals and fairs and other outdoor events, there will be no limitations on outdoor capacity. Indoors, a facility may choose to operate at 75 percent capacity while enforcing six feet of social distancing or at 100 percent capacity with masking required and enforced.
• For indoor sporting events, capacity is limited to 75 percent of capacity with social distancing, or 100 percent capacity if a mask mandate is enforced at the venue. Capacity will not be limited outdoors.
• For live music, new regulations will require 10 feet of space between the stage and the audience and crowds must be seated. Bars will still only be open to those 21 and older.
• State agencies may choose to opt-out of the mask mandate for state-owned buildings in writing to the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and also must inform people entering the building that masks are not mandatory. All state agencies in the Governor’s cabinet and under the Governor’s authority will keep their mask mandates.
• The Department of Health additionally will issue a state health officer order that will mandate masks in all health care facilities.

Additional details for businesses about COVID-safe operations are posted on OpenSafely.la.gov.

On March 31, Governor Edwards announced the easing of restrictions on some businesses through April 28, 2021. View the order here.

Louisiana’s mask mandate and social distancing remains in place. Updates include:

• Removes the limitations on when bars and restaurants may serve alcohol, defaulting to local ordinances. People younger than 21 are still not allowed inside bars and bars are only allowed to provide patrons with socially distanced seated service, under the new order.
• Salons and beauty shops, gyms and fitness centers, malls and casinos also ill not have capacity limits, though social distancing and the mask mandate remain in place along with any other additional measures that may be required by the State Fire Marshal.
• Businesses and venues that host larger gatherings, like receptions halls, will remain capped at 50 percent of their capacity, with a maximum gathering size of not more than 500 people indoors and strict social distancing. Outdoor events will be capped at 50 percent capacity and social distancing is also required. Some events may require prior approval by the State Fire Marshal.
• Indoor and outdoor sporting events will be limited to 50 percent of their capacity, with social distancing. Masks are required under all circumstances.

Businesses can register at Open Safely to receive updated communication, notifications, and helpful guidance via email from the State Fire Marshal’s Office specific to your business type.

Download documents related to Phase 3 opening for specific business types

On March 2, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will move to Phase 3 until March 31, 2021. View the current order here.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include:

• The majority of businesses, including restaurants and salons, will be able to move to 75% of their capacity.
• Indoor gatherings and event centers will be capped at 50% of their capacity but limited to 250 people.
• Religious services will no longer have capacity limits, social distancing is strongly encouraged and masking will still be required.
• Gyms and fitness centers will remain at 50% of their capacity, based on recent research from the CDC that raises concern about the spread of COVID-19 in these settings.
• Bars in all parishes will be able to open for indoor service at 25% capacity, not to exceed 250 people.
• Bars in parishes where the percent positivity is 5 % or lower for two consecutive weeks may have indoor service at 50% capacity, not to exceed 250 people.
• Alcohol sales still must end at 11 p.m. and no one younger than 21 years old can enter a bar.  
• Patrons must be masked at all times except when consuming food or drink, and they must be served at socially distanced tables.
• Live music will be allowed indoors under additional guidance provided by the State Fire Marshal.
• Indoor gatherings may operate at 50% capacity with a cap of 250 people.
• Outdoor events may operate at 50% of their capacity, with no cap on attendance, but six feet of social distancing must be practiced.
• Conventions, conferences, indoor sporting events and fairs and festivals may operate at up to 50% capacity with six feet of social distancing required, if they receive approval from the State Fire Marshal and the Louisiana Department of Health.  
• Strict masking continues to be required for all gatherings and events.

Businesses can register at Open Safely to receive updated communication, notifications, and helpful guidance via email from the State Fire Marshal’s Office specific to your business type.

Download documents related to Phase 3 opening for specific business types

• Bars may reopen and offer tableside service only. Standing and bar service will be prohibited.
• Indoor capacity shall be limited to a 25% occupancy rate or 50 people, whichever is less.
• Outdoor capacity shall be limited to 50 people and only for tableside service.
• Tables shall be spaced in accordance with the State Fire Marshal’s social distancing guidelines.
• Service and sales of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption shall only occur between the hours of 8 A.M. and 11 P.M.
• No person under the age of twenty-one (21) shall be allowed on the premises.

View Mayor-President Guillory's letter here. 

On February 9, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will remain in a modified Phase 2 until March 3, 2021. View the current order here.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

• All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
• All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
• All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
• For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
• Retail businesses may open at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
• Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household, whichever is less.
• Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
• Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
• All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.

Businesses can register at Open Safely to receive updated communication, notifications, and helpful guidance via email from the State Fire Marshal’s Office specific to your business type.

Download documents related to Phase 1/2/3 opening for specific business types

On January 12, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will remain in a modified Phase 2 until February 10, 2021. View the current order here.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

• All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
• All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
• All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
• For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
• Retail businesses may open at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
• Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household, whichever is less.
• Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
• Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
• All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.

Businesses can register at Open Safely to receive updated communication, notifications, and helpful guidance via email from the State Fire Marshal’s Office specific to your business type.

Download documents related to Phase 1/2/3 opening for specific business types

On December 22, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will remain in a modified Phase 2 until January 13, 2021. View the current order here.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

• All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
• All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
• All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
• For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
• Retail businesses may open at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
• Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household, whichever is less.
• Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
• Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
• All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.

Businesses can register at Open Safely to receive updated communication, notifications, and helpful guidance via email from the State Fire Marshal’s Office specific to your business type.

Download documents related to Phase 1/2/3 opening for specific business types

In accordance with Governor Edwards’s announcement of returning to a modified Phase 2, a parish which previously opted into but subsequently exceeded 5% positivity rate for two consecutive weeks would be required to cease all indoor on-premise consumption at bars.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Lafayette Parish exceeded 5% positivity rate for two consecutive weeks, therefore bars are now to cease all indoor, on-premise consumption.

Bars may continue to offer curbside and drive-thru services and may also offer outdoor tableside services only.

On November 24, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will return to a modified Phase 2 until December 23. View the current order here.

Highlights from the order include:

• All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
• All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
• All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
• For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
• Retail businesses at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
• Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household. The State Fire Marshal will put out additional COVID mitigation measures to make services safer.
• Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
• Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
• All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.
• Mask mandate remains in place.
• CDC guidelines remain in effect.

On November 5, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will remain in Phase 3 until December 4. View the current order here. View the extension of emergency provisions here. 

Highlights from the order include:

• Restaurants, churches, salons, gyms will open to 75% of their capacity
• Entities that were limited to 50% in Phase 2 are included in this increase to 75%
• Bars will remain closed for on-premise consumption in parishes with a high COVID case count
• Bars can apply for a restaurant license if they have a kitchen/serve food
• Parishes with a low COVID case count (5% or less positivity rate) can opt-in to open bars up to 25% of capacity
• Bars that will be allowed to open can have no more than 50 people outdoors
• All drinks must be ordered at the table and brought to the table by waitstaff
• Alcohol sales end and establishments will close at 11:00 p.m.
• Casinos will stay at 50% total capacity and 75% of the gaming positions
• Alcohol sales for on-premise consumption will end at 10:00 pm for casinos, restaurants, and all other venues
• Sports venues can operate at 25% with no alcohol sales. Alcohol sales may be allowed if the parish meets the percent positivity threshold.
• Information on nursing home visitations from the Louisiana Department of Health
• Indoor social gatherings, like weddings or receptions, will be limited to the lesser of 250 people or 50 percent capacity of the facility. Outdoors, crowd sizes are limited to 50% capacity, up to 250 people, if people will be in close proximity and social distancing is not possible.
• Mask mandate remains in place.
• CDC guidelines remain in effect.

On August 26, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will remain in Phase 2 until September 11. View the current order here. View the August 7 order here. View the July 23 extended order here. The June 4 official order is here. An overview can be found in this news release.

Businesses that will be able to open at 50 percent occupancy include:

• Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
• Shopping malls (including food courts, following restaurant guidance)
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Barber and beauty shops and nail salons
• Movie theaters
• Racetracks (not open to spectators)
• Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
• Bars and breweries with LDH food permits
• Massage establishments, spas, and tattoo establishments (under strict guidance from LDH), esthetician services (under strict guidance from the Cosmetology Board)
• Pool halls, bowling alleys and skating rinks (children must be accompanied by an adult)
• Event Centers and wedding venues
• Outdoor playgrounds and play centers (children must be accompanied by an adult)

The following businesses remain closed: carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, fairs, contact sports, children’s indoor play centers, theme parks, concert and music halls, and other similar businesses. Live entertainment is not permitted inside any building or indoor function.

Effective July 13, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a mandatory mask requirement for Louisiana and ordered bars in the state closed to on-premises consumption, as the state experiences increasing spread of COVID-19. The Governor also limited indoor social gatherings like wedding receptions, class reunions and parties to 50 total people. With these additional restrictions, Louisiana remains in Phase Two of the Roadmap for a Resilient Louisiana. View the proclamation here.

Download an easy-to-print sign to post at your business' entrance. Let's work together to keep our businesses open and our friends and family members employed.

On May 11, Governor Edwards announced Louisiana will move into Phase 1 reopening on May 15. The official order is here. An overview can be found in this news release.

New types of businesses that may open beginning on May 15, with 25 percent occupancy limits, sanitation guidelines and spacing for physical distancing include:

• Interior stores at enclosed malls
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Barber shops and hair and nail salons
• Casinos and Video Poker
• Theaters
• Racetracks (not open to spectators)
• Museums, zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
• Bars and breweries with LDH food permits

The following businesses remain closed: massage establishments and spas, tattoo parlors, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, fairs, bars and breweries without LDH food permits, pool halls, contact sports, children’s play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, adult entertainment venues, and other similar businesses. 

On April 30, Governor Edwards formally extended the Stay at Home Order through May 15. Get details here. View the full order here. Three major changes in the new Stay at Home Order include:

• Malls will remain closed to the public, but stores may open for curbside delivery.
• Restaurants will be allowed to open their outside areas for patrons to eat meals only, without tableside service.
• All employees of a business who have contact with the public must wear a mask.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a statewide Stay at Home order which went into effect Monday, March 23, at 5:00 p.m., to limit movements outside of the home beyond essential needs and essential work as outlined in the order.

• View the full order here to see a list of prohibited businesses.
• Examples of essential workers as defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), can be found here and here.