Jefferson Parish Guidance for Face Coverings

Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng will sign an emergency proclamation effective on Wednesday, July 1, requiring patrons to wear masks or face coverings (which includes cloth masks, scarves, bandanas, other cloth/fabric and face shields) while indoors and in any common area in all commercial buildings, public buildings and places of worship located in Jefferson Parish. It is also mandatory for all employees who deal with the public to wear a mask or face covering.
 
CLICK HERE to watch the Parish President’s press conference held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 4 p.m.
 
According to Parish President Lee Sheng, “Cases continue to rise in Jefferson Parish and Health officials tell us that the best tool to reduce the transmission of this virus is for everyone to wear masks, especially indoors. Now more than ever, it is critical that businesses follow guidelines set forth to help protect the health and safety of their employees and patrons.”
 
According to Dr. Joseph Kanter with the Louisiana Department of Health, “From a public health perspective, this is the right call for Jefferson Parish. It will prevent infections and it will save lives.”
 
The Parish President’s order mandates that face coverings be worn in the circumstances and with the exceptions outlined below. It does not substitute for existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing.
 
People in Jefferson Parish must wear face coverings when they are in the high-risk situations listed below:

• Masks are required inside any indoor public space, including but not limited to restaurants, retail, spas and places of worship.
• Masks are required upon entering and exiting a restaurant or bar but not while sitting at a table.
• Masks are required upon entering and exiting a gym but not while exercising.
• Masks are required in any room or enclosed area where other people are present and unable to physically distance.
• Masks are required while walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators and parking facilities.
• Masks are required while riding on public transportation or paratransit.

​The following individuals are exempt from wearing a mask or face covering:

• Children younger than two years old.
• Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering.
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This order also excludes schools, summer camps and daycares, as they should follow guidance set forth by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Education. CLICK HERE for guidance for childcare and summer schools from the Department of Health. CLICK HERE for school reopening guidelines and resources from the Department of Education.
 
Residents wishing to report businesses who are not complying with guidelines can call the Jefferson Parish COVID Compliance – See It, Say It hotline at 504-736-6929 or they can access an online form at www.JeffParish.net. This is an anonymous hotline and form, but residents may leave their name and contact information should they wish to do so. Jefferson Parish Department of Property Maintenance Zoning / Quality of Life Inspectors are visiting businesses reported through the COVID Compliance – See It, Say It hotline and form to provide best practices materials. Businesses will receive an official warning after the first visit and Jefferson Parish will issue citations to businesses that continue to not be in compliance.
 
Business and faith leaders can visit OpenSafely.la.gov to receive additional guidance and updates from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Health. People with general questions about COVID-19 can call 211. CLICK HERE for additional guidance from the CDC regarding cloth face coverings.