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NEWS RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA

June 3, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH PRESIDENT CYNTHIA LEE SHENG OUTLINES PHASE TWO FOR JEFFERSON PARISH, IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

JEFFERSON, LA – Starting this Friday, June 5, 2020, Jefferson Parish will move to Phase Two, which follows the White House COVID-19 guidance allowing additional businesses to open under strict occupancy, protection and social distancing guidelines. This falls in line with Governor John Bel Edwards’ order for the State of Louisiana. More specific guidance and additional resources from the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Louisiana Department of Health will be available at OpenSafely.la.gov.

Phase Two guidance will allow many more businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity with social distancing, masks for public-facing employees and increased sanitation. In addition, the state strongly recommends that businesses consider offering temperature checks before a person can enter and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter. Phase Two in Louisiana will last at least 21 days.

The Jefferson Back to Business Plan, released by the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), the Jefferson Parish Council and Administration, also outlines which Jefferson Parish businesses will open in Phase Two. This plan was developed based on Federal and State regulations and in concert with medical leaders and an industry task force to ensure the economy reopens in a way that is thoughtful and rooted in public health for the safety of residents and employees.

According to Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, “Please know that the safety and health of our citizens is a top priority as we transition to Phase Two of reopening the Jefferson Parish economy. High risk individuals should continue to stay at home if possible. Everyone should practice social distancing and wear face coverings in public to protect the people around them. Regardless of what phase we are in, we all have a role to play in fighting this virus by taking proper precautions and considering the risk of our own health and the health of our loved ones.

Jefferson Parish businesses that will be able to open at 50 percent occupancy during Phase Two 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
  • Bars and breweries with LDH food permits
    • Note: Bars and breweries without LDH food permits will be able to open at 25 percent occupancy
  • 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
  • Racetracks (not open to spectators)
  • Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
  • Outdoor playgrounds and play centers (children must be accompanied by an adult)
  • Arcades and trampoline parks (under approved plans by the State Fire Marshal; with minors accompanied by parents)
  • Casinos and video poker establishments may open at 50 percent occupancy, but limited to 75 percent of their gaming positions, with spacing to allow for social distancing and with enhanced sanitation
    • Note: Plans must be submitted to the Gaming Control Board for additional guidance

Businesses that will remain closed during Phase Two include:

  • Carnivals, amusement parks, water parks and fairs
  • Contact sports, children’s indoor play centers and theme parks
  • Concert and music halls, and other similar businesses
  • Live entertainment is not permitted inside any building or indoor function
  • Sleep-away camps (Summer camps are allowed to open with restrictions)

As Jefferson Parish transitions into Phase Two, there are some changes in regards to how some Jefferson Parish Government Departments will operate, including the following:

  • The Alario Center remains closed to the public at this time. Free COVID-19 testing is offered every Monday – Saturday at the Alario Center for individuals 18+, proof of ID required but insurance is not needed. The site opens daily at 8 a.m. CLICK HERE for additional information on testing in Jefferson Parish.

  • The Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter is open to the public by appointment-only. All must wear a face covering or mask and undergo a temperature screening prior to entering. Animal Control will ramp up services and continue to respond to emergency calls, including issues of aggressive or injured animals. CLICK HERE for additional information.

  • The Jefferson Parish Citizens’ Affairs Department will begin issuing special event permits adhering to state guidelines which call for keeping 6 feet of social distancing. Applicants must submit a plan for special events that adhere to state guidelines; all can request an application for a special event by emailing: jpcitizensaffairs@jeffparish.net. Jefferson Parish is monitoring the State guidelines on filming and will resume permitting when the state allows.

  • JeffCAP Head Start Centers will remain closed to the public during Phase Two (pending guidance from Health and Human Services) and the food pantry distribution schedule will remain curbside only. Customers will continue to receive services by phone and drop box. On June 8, JeffCAP will begin assisting with CSBG Emergency Rent/Mortgage, Water Assistance and Senior Food Vouchers. Applications will be available online and can be picked up at the Jefferson Parish Community Centers. CLICK HERE for more information.

  • The Jefferson Parish Library will be open to the public on June 10; however, hours may vary by branch. Patrons can request and reserve items to pick up via curbside service or inside via self-checkout or counter service. Distanced computers will be available for use by advanced reservation and distanced seating will be available inside for patrons use. Meeting and study rooms remain closed during Phase Two. Patrons must wear a face covering or mask and undergo a temperature screening prior to entering. Many online resources are still available at www.jplibrary.net.

    The Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation Department (JPRD) facilities and programs that are open during Phase Two include the following (visit www.JPRD.org for more information):

    • Tennis Courts, Batting Cages, Dog Parks, Fishing Piers, Disc Golf and Boardwalks
    • Fields and open green space (under social distancing guidelines)
    • Outdoor restrooms, outdoor water fountains, outdoor exercise equipment and Tot Lots (to be cleaned and sanitized during open hours)
    • Shelters, meeting rooms/rental reservations and bookings will resume on June 5 at JPRD facilities; facility reservations will be limited to 50% capacity
    • Carousel and Spray Parks open at 50% capacity (note: Lafreniere Park currently closed under construction; Parc de Families Spray Park will reopen on June 10)
    • All non-contact and solo sports, which includes JPRD Youth softball and baseball with the first game on June 15
    • Johnny Jacobs Pool will open on June 13 for lap swimming, water aerobics, family reservations for controlled recreational swim (swim lessons will not be offered during Phase Two)
    • Concession Stands are open to serve packaged items and bottled drinks only
    • Summer Camps started on June 1; Enrichment Camps begin on July 6, JPRD JPRD Leisure Services Classes will resume at 50% of their enrollment capacity
    • JPRD facilities and programs to remain closed during Phase Two:
      • All contact sports, including outdoor basketball goals
      • All senior programs, including Golden Age programming
         

  • The Jefferson Parish Transit Department (JeT) requires all riders to continue to wear a face covering or mask upon boarding, JeT has reinstated fare collection and installed barrier shields to protect the riders and drivers. CLICK HERE for additional information.

Jefferson Parish Government buildings and facilities remain open to the public; however, individuals are encouraged to continue to access services online or by phone. All employees and visitors who need to gain access to Jefferson Parish Government buildings and facilities are required to wear a mask or face covering and undergo a temperature screening prior to entry.

CLICK HERE for more information about Phase Two from the Office of Governor John Bel Edwards.

CLICK HERE for the Jefferson Back to Business Plan, outlining Phase Two for Jefferson Parish.

CLICK HERE to view data from the Louisiana Office of Public Health used to make the re-opening decision.

CLICK HERE for additional guidance from the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Louisiana Department of Health.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov). Citizens can text JPALERT to 888-777 for regular updates in English or JPNOTICIAS for regular updates in spanish.

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Jefferson Parish Public Information Office

1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002

Jefferson, LA 70123

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Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO

Office: 504-736-6410