BATON ROUGE – The governor issued a statewide stay at home order.  The order is now in place after starting at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, through April 30.

However, Gov. John Bel Edwards plans to update state emergency orders allowing for non-emergency medical procedures to resume Monday, April 27.  The updated order will allow procedures like dental visits and other medical visits, procedures and surgeries.  In order to see patients, facilities will have to have a plan in place to monitor for coronavirus symptoms, possible testing, and have strict social distancing rules in place.  Facilities will need a minimum, five-day supply of medical protective gear.  

Dr. Guidry - Each speciality will determine which procedures are time-sensitive and need to take place.

Any procedures that can still wait (without risk/threat of condition worsening) should

— Johnston von Springer (@johnstonvon) April 20, 2020

Though, the stay at home order closing businesses will continue despite the clearing of medical work. 

"This is not a lifting of everything" - Dr. Courtney Phillips warns in regards to the new @LADeptHealth order lifting restrictions on non-emergency medical procedures (effective 4/27)

— Johnston von Springer (@johnstonvon) April 20, 2020

The state's stay at home order is in line with federal social distancing guidelines updated at the end of March, limiting businesses and public gatherings through April 30. 

The order keeps schools closed.

The original order was scheduled to expire Sunday, April 12.  It was extended to April 30.

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Business owners and managers: Click here for the federal order explaining certain functions and what may or may not remain open

Click HERE for a government chart and more FAQs