Louisiana Begins Economic Reopening

I’m glad to hear Governor Edwards’ announcement that Louisiana will finally begin to safely reopen more parts of our economy. We need to start safely reopening our economy so people can get back to work providing for their families, and businesses who are barely hanging on can have a chance to make it through this crisis.

With these commonsense measures, Louisiana families and small businesses that have been devastated during the shutdown can begin to see light at the end of the tunnel, while we continue protecting lives and recover from COVID-19.

As we move toward safely reopening, protecting the health and safety of Louisiana families is my top priority. I will continue working with federal, state, and local officials to provide clear and immediate guidance on how to safely reopen our economy, accelerate Louisiana’s capabilities in fighting the COVID-19 virus, and ensure our state has access to the supplies they need to recover. Just like we’ve pulled together and made it through other challenges, the strong and resilient people of Louisiana will make it through this even stronger.

CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to COVID-19

The CDC released updated recommendations for employers responding to COVID-19, including businesses seeking to resume normal or phased operations. The recommendations include guidance on preventing workplace exposure, reducing transmission among employees, and maintaining healthy business operations. Updated strategies include:

• Conducting daily health checks.
• Conducting a hazard assessment of the workplace.
• Encouraging employees to wear cloth face coverings in the workplace, if appropriate.
• Implementing policies and practices for social distancing in the workplace.
• Improving the building ventilation system.

Community Updates and Good News of the Week

• According to FEMA, as of May 10, FEMA, HHS, and the private sector combined have coordinated the delivery of or are currently shipping: 90.7 million N95 respirators, 126.6 million surgical masks, 9.3 million face shields, 21.2 million surgical gowns, and 993.4 million gloves.

• The New Orleans Health Department, LCMC Health, and LSU Health Sciences continue to offer free COVID-19 testing at walk-up sites across the New Orleans community this week. Click here for locations and more information on the City of New Orleans Mobile Testing.

• The Treasury Department created an updated FAQ document with guidelines for state and local governments to provide more clarity and flexibility in regard to spending the money allocated to them through the Coronavirus Relief Fund that was included in the CARES Act. Louisiana will receive over $1.8 billion through the Coronavirus Relief Fund.  
  
  
• President Trump signed an executive order to protect and expand the reach of America’s seafood industry. This executive order will increase the safety, competitiveness, and production of U.S. seafood, reduce onerous regulations, and ensure the seafood coming into our country meets our high safety standards. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to ensure these changes are implemented in a timely manner and are crafted with Louisiana’s fishermen in mind.
  
  
• The Archdiocese of New Orleans plans to allow Catholic churches to reopen to the public, in accordance with all health and safety guidelines set by Governor Edwards. Under the Governor’s mandate, churches will be allowed to open to 25% capacity.

It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.


God Bless,