Both the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans have provided additional information for businesses planning to reopen or expand operations once the current stay-at-home orders are lifted or modified. The state of Louisiana has launched a new Open Safely online platform, where businesses can register to receive up-to-the-minute information on what phase of the state’s reopening plan their businesses are considered to be in, what phase the state is in as Louisiana moves through phases of reopening, and what social distancing and sanitation guidelines apply to their specific operation in each phase.

The city of New Orleans also is providing businesses with insight as to what a reopening plan may look like once the current stay-at-home order is eased. The city has published on its website a new page with information that addresses areas that businesses will need to consider, including reducing capacity, ensuring social distancing of employees and customers, protecting workers, and increasing sanitation. This information is available on the Safe Reopening — NOLA Ready webpage.

As always, we advise businesses to work with their employment lawyer to addresses specific questions about the applicability of these guidelines.