Due to the verified cases of COVID-19 in Sabine Parish and limited health care capacity, Sabine Parish Police Jury President has signed a new proclamation with limits on behavior after being tested for the virus.
Now, all individuals exhibiting symptoms of the COVID-19 virus should isolate themselves from public until tested and then remain isolated until the test results are returned negative or the symptoms subside.
Individuals who have been in contact with any person who has tested positive for the coronavirus must stay isolated from the public for a period of 14 days after their last contact with said person or until the person has been tested and results returned negative.
Those testing positive for the virus must stay isolated from the public for 14 days from the time of the test or until a doctor has declared them no longer contagious.
Also in the proclamation were further regulations for businesses operating during this time.
Businesses are responsible for maintaining a social distance rule of six feet of spacing in between individuals, even in passing. The spacing applies between customers and customers and employees.
Customers must maintain social distancing in the checkout line.
When store aisles are being stocked with inventory, the aisle must be closed, or the employee must wear a protective mask.
Customers should not get any closer than six feet to a cashier who is not protected by a plexiglass shield.
The social distance rule of six feet of spacing should be maintained at the business entrance.
Social distancing must be used in self-checkout areas, and the self-checkout equipment needs to be sanitized between each use.
Unless accompanying a family member, only one person is to be allowed in public restrooms.
For those found in violation, the police jury will revoke the business license of those found in violation and parties that violate this order will be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 and/or six months in jail.
McCormic also offered several suggestions rules for businesses such as having a greeter at the door to advise of the rules. Customers violating the rule should be asked to leave.
He also states that customer traffic should flow through aisles in one direction with no two customers passing within six feet of each other.
There should also be no more than two customers per aisle. Each department where a definite aisle doesn’t exist, such as in meats, dairy, deli, etc. should be governed with the same rules as an aisle.