Coronavirus Information Center
COVID-19 Stay At Home OrderJuly 23, 2020, Gov. Edwards Signs Orders Extending Phase Two and the Statewide Mask Mandate. Read the full announcement here.
On June 25, 2020, Gov. Edwards formally extended Phase Two of reopening in Louisiana for another 28 days, as new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increase across the state. The new order leaves in place occupancy and other restrictions of the previous Phase Two order and adds a crowd size limit of 250 to indoor gatherings. Read the full announcement here.
On June 4, 2020, Louisiana moved into Phase Two of the White House plan for reopening, members of the public and businesses are cautioned to continue to take mitigation measures, like wearing masks when in public, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 as more people will be interacting with each other. Read the full announcement here.
On May 11, 2020, Gov. Edwards announced that Louisiana will move to Phase One Statewide on May 15, COVID-19 Stay at Home Order will be Lifted for Louisianans. Read the full announcement here.
On April 27, 2020, Gov. Edwards extended the Stay at Home Order until May 15 to continue flattening the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. Read the full announcement Here.
On April 2, Gov. Edwards extended his stay at home order until April 30. Read the full announcement here.
On March 22, Gov. Edwards issued a Stay at Home Order directing all Louisiana residents to stay at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs. Click here for the governor’s official order.
Click here for a list of essential infrastructure.
Transporting Livestock and Agricultural Products into Texas all current health and phytosanitary requirements apply. In addition to health requirements you may carry the attached critical infrastructure letter for clearance through checkpoints.
ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE BUSINESSES
On March 19, 2020 the Department of Homeland Security identified the specific industries that comprise Critical Infrastructure Industries (available at https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce).
If you are an Essential Critical Infrastructure Business, you may find a link to the authorization letter below.
The authorization letter is an official government document and a public record subject to the provisions of Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:132 – Injuring Public Records. Alteration or falsification of this document constitutes a criminal offense and may result in imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to five thousand dollars, or both.
USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Baton Rouge, La. (May 19, 2020) – Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the USDA announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to America’s farmers and ranchers who suffered losses during the coronavirus pandemic…Read the full news release.
- For the final rule, which includes the list of commodities for which USDA already has data, please CLICK HERE.
- For the notice of funding availability, which outlines the application process for commodities not listed in the rule, please CLICK HERE.
- Note: This is the document most relevant for nursery operations and inland aquaculture.
- For general information about the CFAP direct payments, please CLICK HERE.
Having trouble viewing the directory? You can also view the directory here (Farm Food Directory During COVID-19)
According to the CDC:
· It is not believed pets can be infected with COVID-19 nor is it believed they can spread the disease. However, pets may “temporarily harbor the virus” on the coat or other areas of the pet’s body.
· If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, allow a family member to care for your pets. If no one is available, maintain a safe distance from your pet and frequently wash your hands before and after contact with your pet.
· If you are hospitalized and family members cannot provide care, check with your local veterinary clinic, boarding facility or with a public animal shelter on availability for care.
· Anyone who cares for a pet that has been in contact with an infected human, bathing the animal with a pet shampoo immediately should remove virus particles from the coat of the pet. Isolation from other animals is also recommended. Wear gloves, a face mask and immediately change your clothes after bathing the pet.
“Remember, in the event of any emergency, it is wise to have a pet plan as you would have a game plan for your family,” added Strain. “If possible, keep extra food and medications on hand. Also, wash your hands before and after handling your pets, their food and supplies.”
For more information, go to www.ldaf.la.gov, www.getagameplan.org , www.avma.org , and www.cdc.gov.
At this point there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.
If I test positive for COVID-19 what should I do about my pet?
People with COVID-19 who are identified by public health officials as requiring home care and isolation should be advised to limit interaction with pets and other animals. Specifically, while these people are symptomatic, if possible, they should treat their pet as the would a family member and maintain separation from pets as they would with other household members, and avoid or limit direct contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. Service animals should be permitted to remain with their handlers.
If possible, designate another family member to care for your pet so your pet can be isolated from you especially when you are symptomatic just as you would for other household members.
If you have tested positive and must care for your own pet
You should wash your hands before and after caring for your pets and wear a facemask while interacting with pets, until you are medically cleared to return to normal activities. These are similar recommendations when dealing with any other household member. The facemask is to prevent the spread of virus particles to surfaces and decrease exposure to other people who come in contact with those surfaces.
If I have a family member caring for my pet, do they have to take any special precautions to care for my pet?
Not if the pet is isolated from the person who has COVID-19 like other household members.
Should my pet’s caregiver wear a mask when handling the pet?
No, Masks are used by the person with COVID-19 to decrease spreading the virus in the environment.
CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States.
Concerns with pets and other animals and COVID-19
While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases
For additional resources regarding COVID-19 and pets, go to www.avma.org.
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State Resources
- LSU AgCenter
- U-Pick Farm Operations Best Practices During COVID-19
- NEW DIRECTORY of Louisiana (1) farms selling directly to consumers, (2) farmers markets, and (3) distributors selling Louisiana farm and seafood products that are still operating during COVID-19. CLICK HERE to complete a form to add your farm/business.
- Take safety precautions while enjoying the outdoors
- Stretch your food dollar during an emergency
- Governor’s Office
- Louisiana Department of Health
- Louisiana Economic Development
- USDA
- Farmers and Ranchers in Louisiana Now Have Until Oct. 9 to Apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
- USDA Announces a Third Round of Farmers to Families Food Box Program Purchases
- Additional Commodities Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
- USDA Adds Digital Options for Farmers & Ranchers to Apply for Coronavirus Food Assistance
- USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
- Agricultural producers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are now (as of May 4, 2020) eligible for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) & EIDL Advance programs
- USDA – Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
- FSA Reminds Producers of Ongoing Disaster Assistance Program Signup
- COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
- FSA Makes Changes to Farm Loan, Disaster, Conservation and Safety Net Programs to Make it Easier for Customers to Conduct Business
- USDA Makes it Easier to Feed Kids and Those Who Need Food During the COVID-19 National Emergency
USA Rice Federation COVID-19 Resources
- EPA Makes it Easier for Consumers to Find Safe, Effective Disinfectant Products to Use Against the Novel Coronavirus
- FDA Takes Action to Warn, Protect Consumers from Dangerous Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol
- CDC and U.S. Dept. of Labor publish Interim COVID-19 Guidance for Agriculture Workers and Employers