State Fire Marshall Butch Browning talks about Louisiana's move to Phase III and how the new - and lessened - regulations will help the state reopen.

Browning emphasizes that the Phase III rules will allow a majority of businesses, restaurants and salons to open further, now to 75% capacity. However restrictions on gyms and fitness centers will remain the same, with 50 percent of their capacity allowed.

"We're finally opening a lot of things. It's really exciting (because) it's bigger than the Phase III we had in the past. Probably the most significant...is all bars - stand-alone bars - are allowed to open at 25%."

He then has more good news, saying that in those in parishes where the percent positivity is 5% or lower for fourteen days, those businesses may increase indoor service to 50%, but cannot be greater that 250.

Alcohol sales still must end at 11pm. Patrons must be masked at all times except when consuming food or drink, and as in Phase II, they must be served at socially distanced tables.

Live music will be allowed indoors under guidance provided by the his office. Indoor musical gatherings may operate at 50% capacity with a maximum of 250. Outdoor venues may also operate at 50% with no attendance limit. However, social distancing of the standard six feet is mandated.

Elsewhere, conventions, conferences, indoor sporting events, fairs and festivals are allowed to operate at 50% capacity with social distancing. In addition, pre-event approval from Fire Marshal and the Louisiana Department of Health is required.

 

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