Grand Master Releases Phase II Opening Directive for Lodges

On June 1, 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans to open the State of Louisiana through “Open Safely”. The effective date for Phase 2 is Friday, June 5th.

Therefore, I am issuing the following directive to allow our constituent lodges to resume further activities, with restrictions as follows:

Commencing June 5, 2020, Lodges may hold Stated Meetings for the purpose of conducting regular business appropriate to a stated meeting, including degree conferrals.
Lodges may hold Special (called) Communications only for the purpose of examining a candidate - if applicable - and conferring degrees.
Special Communications involving the public's attendance remain prohibited.
District Lodges will continue to be prohibited from meeting, as the maximum 50% occupancy restriction cannot be followed in all Districts, given the usual number of members in attendance and seating capacity of our lodges.
Meals will be allowed, with the following guidelines: Buffet style service is discouraged and a designated server(s) is recommended. Servers will use gloves and masks for food and beverage service.
Strict social distancing rules as established in Governor Edwards' “Open Safely” will be followed, including the following:

All Masons will maintain social distancing, when practicable.
Masons are strongly urged, but are not required, to wear face masks.
Lodges are encouraged to have hand sanitizer available in the Lodge building.
Most importantly, all Louisiana Masons are strongly encouraged NOT to attend Lodge if they have any signs of illness or do not feel comfortable, at the present time, with attending. Masons must self‐screen for any signs or symptoms of COVID‐19 before attending any Lodge meeting. Those individuals considered to be “at‐risk”, including those who are 65 or older, and especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; weakened immune system or other risk factors are encouraged not to attend Lodge. You are the sole decision‐maker as to whether you should attend Lodge. There is nothing more important at this time than the continued well‐being of our Louisiana Masons.

Phase 2 is effective until June 26, 2020 and the Governor will issue further instructions on June 22nd regarding lifting additional restrictions and moving to Phase 3. I will issue future Directives when it is deemed both safe and prudent to do so while, at the same time, adhering to the mandates of the State of Louisiana.