LAFAYETTE, La. — On Thursday, April 16, Lafayette Consolidated Government held a press briefing on COVID-19 in the parish.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announced new guidelines for local businesses that fall in the "gray area" between those deemed essential by the governor's stay at home order, and those that have not been told to expressly close by the order.

Guillory announced the Safe Shop Policy in Lafayette that goes into effect at midnight on Thursday for businesses not deemed essential, but also not required to close by the Governor's order.

Lafayette says these businesses can open if:

Employees must wear masks and do not report to work if they have fever or symptoms.

The customers must also not have symptoms and must maintain the six feet distancing mandate.

A maximum of 25% of a building's occupancy can only be allowed in any establishment at a given time.

Guillory said that businesses who violate this order can be shut down, have their power cut, get fined $500 and even face jail time.

He added that the new guidance policy may be rescinded if there is a spike in cases of COVID-19.

Examples of these "gray area" businesses include smaller retail shops, furniture stores, clothing stores and jewelry stores.

Businesses who are uncertain if they fall into this category are asked to call 311 starting Monday, April 20, to speak with LCG and LEDA representatives to determine if they qualify.

On Wednesday, April 15, Lafayette Parish was reporting 375 coronavirus cases with 16 deaths.

The Louisiana Department of Health updates their numbers each day at noon.

To see the latest statewide numbers, click here.

Gov. John Bel Edwards held his daily press briefing on Thursday morning. During that briefing he announced the state is now reporting 22,532 coronavirus cases with 1,156 deaths.

At 4 p.m., the governor took part in a virtual town hall hosted by our media partners at The Advocate.

The town hall was streamed by the governor's office and The Advocate's website and social media platforms.

Louisiana residents can submit questions for the town hall here.