Frequently Asked Questions
What is COVID-19 or the Coronavirus?
How can I protect myself and family?
Am I in the high-risk group?
What are the symptoms and when do they present?
What should I do if I start to show symptoms?
When should I seek emergency medical help?
Why do I see so many closures?
Why are certain stores still open?
Is there a shortage of grocery items?
What is a Stay at Home?
What am I allowed and not allowed to do during a Stay at Home order?
When will schools reopen? Will children have to make up work?
Are day cares open?
What businesses are allowed to stay open?
My business was forced to close – what assistance is available?
I have been laid off because of COVID-19 closures, what assistance is available?
What should I do if I see someone or a business not following the Stay at Home Order?
Where do I go to report price gouging?
I am a hospitality worker, what resources are available for me?
I am feeling stress and anxiety from COVID-19, where can I get help?
What is COVID-19 or the Coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
COVID-19 Resources:
World Health Organization www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Louisiana Department of Health ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/
How can I protect myself, my family and my community?
According to the Governor’s Stay at Home order: https://gov.louisiana.gov/home
• Practice proper hand washing or use hand sanitizer if water and soap are not readily available
• Keep often touched surfaces clean and disinfected
• Social distancing – stay at least 6-ft away from others
• Stay away from vulnerable family members if possible to reduce spread of the virus
• Stay away from those who are sick or exhibiting symptoms
• Eliminate unnecessary outings
• Follow Governor John Bel Edwards' Stay at Home order
Am I in the high-risk group?
According to the World Health Organization:
"While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others."
If you are unsure, ask your primary care provider for more information.
What are symptoms I should watch for?
According to the CDC:
Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure.
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
What should I do if I start to show symptoms?
According to the Louisiana Department of Health:
If you begin to feel symptomatic — fever, cough, trouble breathing — you need to be tested as soon as possible.
Call 211 or your healthcare provider. Remember to CALL AHEAD BEFORE you show up at the doctor’s office.
ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Coronavirus/resources/TestingIsolationGuidelines.pdf
For tips on self care from the CDC go here.
When should I seek emergency medical help?
According to the CDC:
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/caring-for-yourself-at-home.html
Why do I see so many closures?
To help flatten the curve, and following with orders from the Governor and recommendations from the CDC – non-essential businesses and areas that promote large congregation of groups have been suspended. This was done in effort to reduce the number of cases and possible exposure to our residents.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/15-day-pause.html
Why are certain stores still open?
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency:
These stores fall under essential businesses. Not sure if a business is essential? Check this resource.
Is there a shortage of grocery items?
According to St.Tammany Grocers, there are no issues with our current supply chain.
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What is a Stay at Home order?
According to the Governor’s Office:
Stay at Home allows you to leave your home for essentials, go to medical appointments, and if you are an essential worker. You can go outside and enjoy some fresh air as long as you practice social distancing (keep at a distance of 6 feet or more from others).
gov.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/covid/Stay-Home-One-Pager.pdf
What am I allowed and not allowed to do during a Stay at Home order?
According to Governor John Bel Edwards' Stay At Home Order :
Allowed
• Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
• Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)
• Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
• Care for or support a friend or family member
• Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise — just keep at least six feet between you and others
• Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary
• Help someone to get necessary supplies
• Receive deliveries from any business which delivers
Not Allowed
• Go to work unless you are providing essential services
• Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
• Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
• Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility websites.
When will schools reopen? Will children have to make up work?
• If your child goes to a public school – please check the St. Tammany Parish School Board website for updates.
• If your child goes to a private school, please check with their administration for details.
Are day cares open?
As of March 23rd, child care centers are allowed to stay open using guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health: Updated Daycare and Early Learning Center Guidance
Childcare assistance has been extended for essential workers. Essential workers can apply at LousianaBelieves.com and filling out this form.
What businesses are allowed to stay open?
Grocery stores, banks, doctor offices are a few – a full list can be found here.
My business was forced to close – what assistance is available?
Disaster SBA loans are available. Applicants are encouraged to apply online for a disaster loan. If you do not have access to a computer or smartphone, please call at 1‐800‐659‐2955 for assistance.
I have been laid off because of COVID-19 closures, what assistance is available?
Louisiana Workforce Commission has a special unemployment application for those who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19.
What should I do if I see someone or a business not following the Stay at Home Order?
According to the Governor's office:
Please report this to your local law enforcement.
The state is working with local law enforcement to support the order.
https://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/covid/Stay-At-Home-FAQs.pdf
Where do I go to report price gouging?
Contact the Louisiana Attorney General Office. Website: www.ag.state.la.us
I am a hospitality worker, what resources are available for me?
Greater New Orleans foundation service and hospitality family assistance program has paused submissions at this time, please continue to check back for any changes at: https://www.gnof.org/service-and-hospitality-employee-family-program/
Restaurant Opportunities United Relief Fund has currently paused submissions but they list several other funds available here: https://rocunited.org/stop-the-spread/coronavirus-support/
I am feeling stress and anxiety from COVID-19, where can I get help?
If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, fear and anxiety, call the 24/7 Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline, 1-866-310-7977. Trained, compassionate counselors are available to offer support and direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services. #lagov