Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center Update 3/26/2020

LABEOC Update – 26 March 2020

As of noon (12:00 PM) today, there were 2305 cases in Louisiana, 83 reported deaths and 676 patients requiring hospitalization. Cases are reported throughout the state. The impacts of the “Stay at Home” order will not show until next week based upon the known incubation period of the virus. Governor Edwards stressed that residents needed to heed the “Stay at Home” order and minimize contact to avoid further spread which could overwhelm the medical system.

&quotThere is daylight at the end of the tunnel, we’re just not close enough to see it. But we WILL get there.&quot – Governor John Bel Edwards

PPE PROCUREMENT. All PPE & medical supply vendors must register with the State Procurement office. They are releasing new bids every 24-48 hours. GOHSEP, LED, LDH, and LABEOC cannot accept bids or make offers.

Updated DHS CISA Guidance on Essential/Critical. DHS/CISA announced today that they would be releasing updated guidelines on essential and critical work force/sectors. The state has not seen the proposed updates and will likely receive it at the same time it is released to the private sector. We’ll work to get you updated information and how this affects Louisiana as soon as possible after release. In the interim the Governor’s previous proclamations remain in place.

Support Louisiana Seafood. Many of our small businesses are impacted by the mandatory shut downs and restrictions to remain at our homes. We would like to take this opportunity to remind the citizens of Louisiana that our seafood industry is also comprised of many small businesses. These businesses are critical to the economies of our coastal parishes and coastal communities. With restaurants and bars closed, a lot of the retail buyers for these products are not operating. We are encouraging people to buy seafood at their local farmer’s markets, grocery stores, and other retail food businesses. It is imperative that we continue to support Louisiana’s fishing industries and the local communities of which they are a part. If any of our state/national partners are looking to support local business, please contact the LABEOC and we’ll share our list of seafood industry businesses in need.

Hotel Support for Responders/Isolation Rooms (North Louisiana).The response to previous requests – particularly in the New Orleans area has been tremendous. All offers of support have been forwarded to the Task Force working this issue. We are still in need of potential over-flow space in North Louisiana. Properties that are interested should contact [email protected].

Special COVID-19 Blanket Employment Certificates for Minors to work in Louisiana. In response to the current COVID-19 event, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:184.1 the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) will begin issuing sixty (60) day blanket Employment Certificates for employers desiring to employ minors in the State of Louisiana. Employment Certificates issued due to this event shall expire sixty (60) days from the date of issuance. Upon expiration, employers will be required to obtain Employment Certificates as required pursuant to La. R.S. 23:181 et. seq.Employers desiring to obtain an Employment Certificate pursuant to this memorandum must submit a completed and signed “Application to Employ Minors under 18” along with proof of age here. The application can be downloaded here. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Employers should allow three (3) days for processing.

FEMA Nation BEOC Public Sector Call. Friday, 27 March 2020, 2pm Central. Dial in (800) 619-3427. Conference PIN: 2725748.

BRAC Launches BR Works. Continuing to highlight the best practices of our Regional Economic Development partners.  BR Works is helping connect workers from industry segments hit hardest by COVID-19 economic impact with employers who are seeking additional work force.

Everyone continue to Stay Healthy & Stay Home if you can. Let us know where we can help.

Chris J. DeGuelle
LABEOC Director