Some out of work Lafayette residents may soon be able to return to their jobs.

An announcement was posted this week through the Lafayette Parish Consolidated Government’s Facebook page. According to the post, some non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen, effective immediately.

These are the businesses that fell into the gray area. They offered services that were deemed non-essential but also were not prohibited in Governor Edwards Stay-At-Home. The Stay At Home Order is still in place until the end of April.

If you are a business owner and wondering if your place qualifies for reopening, call 311 and press 2 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday – Friday.

There are some provisions, that businesses will have to follow. Employees are required to wear a face mask. Any employee with a fever must stay home. Customers with a fever will not be allowed to enter the building. And while in the establishment, shoppers must maintain a distance of 6 feet apart. The business owner must make sure that a 25 percent occupancy is not exceeded. The post also states, no large groups of people will be allowed to congregate inside or outside of the store.

There will be consequences for anyone who violates the guidelines. Business owners who violate the rules could have the power shut off, be issued a $500 fine and or possibly face 6 months in jail.

Source: LCG Facebook