May 12, 2020

To: All Restaurant Owners

From: Chief Chris Hunt

Re: Outdoor Religious and Place of Worship

In accordance with Governor John Bel Edwards COVID-19 Proclamation to be released May 1, 2020 any outdoor religious and/or place of worship venue must adhere to strict mitigation standards preventing the spread of COVID-19. The general operating guide will require spacing of groups, limiting concentration of people, strict use of PPE, and frequent sanitizing. 

Life Safety and Egress:

• Open Areas and Temporary Tents, subject to local or parish rules and ordinances must meet NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and all of the sides must be open
• The tent must not be an enclosed tent
• The following conditions are required:
  • Capacity is subject to social distancing requirements and spacing of seated attendees with strict supervision of crowd managers
  • Limited group seating to persons who are members of the same household

  • Modify human contact as part of any religious ceremony

  • State approved fire extinguisher within 75 feet of tent area
  • Minimum 7-foot 6-inch head room (ceiling height)

Crowd managers shall be provided to call for emergency evacuation, enforce social distancing requirements, assign seating to attendees and further manage any movement of people throughout the service.

• This function can be performed by ushers, staff or leadership
• One crowd manager shall be provided for every 50 persons in attendance
• In the event of a fire or other emergency they must call for evacuation and then call 911
• Maintain a 6 foot distance between persons or congregated people of household from others when entering, moving about, seating or exiting
• Seating of persons or congregated persons of a household shall be assigned in a manner that allows spacing of at least 6 feet from all other individuals seated (this applies to seating available or either side, forward or behind)

Louisiana Department of Health Guidance

It is encouraged that persons be asked not to attend if they are 65 years or older or have identified chronic health conditions or comorbidities.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• • Crowd managers are required to wear face masks/coverings 
  • Crowd managers should wear gloves when handling chairs and other items as part of their duties and should wash their hands before and after assisting with their set up and break down 
  • It is strongly recommended that attendees wear face masks/coverings
• Cleaning of Outdoor Dining Areas
  • Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty, then use a disinfectant
  • Tables, chairs & seats should be cleaned after every service
• Recommended Cleaning Products 
  • Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty, then use disinfectant
  • Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant: follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
    • Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for a period of time (see label) 
    • Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product
    • Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface
    • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed to be safe to use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection.
    • Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronavirus when properly diluted. Follow manufacturer's instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
    • To make a bleach solution, mix:
      • 5 Tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water
        • OR
      • 4 Teaspoons bleach per quart of water
    • Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used