New Orleans reopening plan and what it means for local businesses
Well, we finally got what we’ve all been waiting for over the last two months — a plan from Mayor Latoya Cantrell on how to re open the economy of New Orleans. To nobody’s surprise, Mayor Cantrell delighted in taking several measures beyond what had been laid out the day before by Governor Jon Bel Edwards. So, what’s different?
restaurants — after her plan to have all businesses in town maintain a manual log of every single customer who entered their premises, Mayor Cantrell settle for insisting that restaurants taking reservations for all patrons. Effectively, it’s the same thing, and gives contact tracers the ability to track the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
fitness centers/gyms — in addition to maintaining a rule of no more than 25% capacity, facilities in New Orleans are not allowed to hold group classes, and must keep all sauna, shower, and hot tub areas closed.
malls/shops — indoor stores are still completely closed, but anchor stores without their own doors can open at 25% capacity.
weddings/funerals — in New Orleans, private gathers of more than a few close family members are still banned.
Shocked? Don’t be. Mayor Cantrell has been a strong outlier for health, safety and caution from the beginning. Phase 1 takes place from May 15 to June 5, so we shall see what she thinks of the local economy then. Stay safe!