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On Monday, May 11th, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana will move into Phase 1 reopening on May 15th. Phase 1 is hoped to last 21 days until June 5th, when the state could move into Phase 2.
Vermilion Economic Development Alliance (VEDA) has provided an explanation of what we can expect. While some businesses will remain closed - massage establishments and spas, tattoo parlors, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, fairs, bars and breweries without LDH food permits, pool halls, contact sports, children’s play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, adult entertainment venues, and other similar businesses – many of our local establishments are getting the “all clear” to return to work.
All those businesses considered non-essential will be limited to 25% of their total occupancy (including employees) and those employees who deal with the public will be expected to wear face coverings or cloth masks and engage in robust sanitation procedures. Social distancing rules still apply for employees and patrons, so companies will need a plan to maintain those guidelines using signage, a designated staff member, or other creative solutions like guided pathways, designated waiting spaces, and other measures of their choosing.
So, what types of NEW business can we expect to see open? Gyms and fitness centers, barber shops and hair and nail salons, theaters, museums, and bars with LA Department of Health food permits for sure. But many entrepreneurs will continue to operate using their Stay-at-Home protocols for safety, cost, and other reasons.
“We need to be patient and mindful of the situation and lend our assistance however we can,” says VEDA Executive Director Anne Falgout. “Childcare is a big issue for many companies, as is fear, availability of workers, and financial strain. We are working with several local businesses that need resources and services. But we’d also like to see our residents communicating with their favorite shops and service providers. Even though the way they do business might look different, there are still lots of ways to support them.”
VEDA has provided some Phase I recommendations to help companies ease into the transition:
Remote work still encouraged if feasible
Can allow up to 25% of normal personnel back into offices
All offices should utilize temperature/symptoms screening template at their entrances
If there is a positive screen employee should be isolated and/or sent home
All personnel should maintain a distance of at least 6 ft or be separated by a barrier. If this is not possible, face coverings shall be worn
Enhanced cleaning should happen at least 3 times per day/night (beginning, middle & end of each shift). Frequently clean common touch points, such as tables, countertops, doorknobs/handles, handrails, light switches, desks, phones, keyboards, touch screens, toilets, faucets & sinks, etc. Local leadership should ensure this is outlined & completed
Reduce common touch points by opening internal doors where possible & removing lids on disposal receptacles, unless doing so creates an unsanitary environment
Common areas & break rooms should be restricted to allow at least 6 ft social distancing. A guide is one person for every 40 square ft. of available space. Remember to include furniture/appliances in calculations
Adjust lunch/break times to limit contact between employees
Seating should be arranged to allow proper distancing. Removal of some chairs may be required
Outdoor areas are preferred for lunch & other breaks if feasible
Use disposable cups, plates, & utensils
Disinfect high touch point areas frequently (coffee pot, refrigerator, microwave, faucets, etc.)
No more than 2 people allowed in elevators at one time
Avoid in person or face/face meetings when possible. Utilize video conferences as a substitute
Deliveries should be limited to one entrance at each building. Deliveries should be left in the entrance/lobby of the building and sanitized before moved
Visitors are not allowed. If contract services are needed, they should be screened
Business travel should be limited
“Unlike some of our neighboring communities, we have been able to keep local sales steady. We are so proud of our local establishments and residents for leading the way during this unprecedented time,” adds VEDA Executive Director Anne Falgout, “But we must remember, there is no time like the present to shop with our local businesses. Vermilion is doing well, but we can’t waver!”
For up-to-date information and resources, visit the VEDA COVID-19 page at www.developvermilion.org/help.

May 5, 1933 ~ May 14, 2020

KAPLAN — Graveside services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Kaplan Cemetery honoring the life of Dorothy Toups Sherman, 87, who died Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Maison du Monde Living Center. She will be laid to rest with Reverend Farley Painter officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Wilkinson II, Joe Hayes, Dobie Simon, Jr., Shane Pridgen, and A.J. Fitch.
She is survived by her five daughters, Renell Gary of Abbeville, Tina G. Wilkinson of Abbeville, Tammy G. Simon and her husband, Dobie, Sr. of Delcambre, Jennifer G. Nance and her husband,Tommy of Baytown, TX, and Dorothy G. Roberts and her husband, Darrell of Gautier, MS; her brother, Milton Toups, Jr. of Kaplan; her 12 grandchildren; and her 20 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilton Sherman, Sr.; her parents, Milton Toups, Sr. and the former Rozitta Bourque; her three grandsons, Ronald Gary, Jr. (Bubba), Joshua Wilkinson, and Daniel Rivette; and her two great granddaughters, Sage and Emma Stelly; and her sister, Mary Joyce Guidry.
The family would like to express their appreciation for all the love, care and support to the staff at Maison du Monde and Grace Hospice Palliative Care.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Saturday, May 16, 2020 from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM when the procession departs for the cemetery.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Sherman family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held for Mr. James Jerome Darby, 29, at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Faith Hope Christian Fellowship with Bishop B.K. Stevens, Pastor officiating.
He will await the resurrection in Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday at the church 8:00 A.M. until the time of the service.
A resident of Abbeville, LA he passed at 10:30 P.M. Sunday, May 3, 2020, in Abbeville, LA.
James was an employee for Aqua Llams and Mechanics International of Abbeville, LA.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Tammy Lashane Darby of Lafayette, LA and James Jerome Boudreaux of Abbeville, LA; two brothers, Denarius Deshane Darby of Oakland, CA and Shawn Davis of Lafayette, LA; four sisters, Jaquanda De’Journa Darby, Shante’ Lashane Darby, Tiana Laraye Darby all of Lafayette, LA and India Darby of Abbeville, LA; paternal grandmother, Denise Boudreaux of Abbeville, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his uncle/godfather, Brandon Jamar Boudreaux; maternal grandmother, Margaret Levine and his godmother, Jeanette Nolan.
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-893-2440) 1116 Greene Street, Abbeville, LA 70510.

While Louisiana is set to go into Phase 1 on Friday, there is still help needed for many families affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Some of that help will be available this Friday morning in Abbeville.
On Friday, the Boys & Girls Club Rodney Unit in Abbeville will partner with the Three O’Clock Project to provide meals for children in Vermilion Parish.
“It came to our attention that there was a greater need in Vermilion Parish,” Rodney Unit Director Brian Ford said. “We wanted to do something to help.”
Volunteers will be handing out meals from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club in A.A. Comeaux Park in Abbeville.
“It’s open to anyone in Vermilion Parish,” Ford said. “You will get one box per child in your household.”
Boxes include milk as well as enough meals for that child for the week. There is no signup needed or information to provide. Children do not have to be present during pickup.
“We will have three or four stations to have this going as smoothly as possible,” Ford said.
Volunteers are still being sought to help with that process. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4dafae2aaaf49-meal1.
Ford said the club has a long-standing working relationship with Three O’Clock Project.
“That’s the same group that helps us provide meals for our kids every day for our after-school program,” Ford said.
That after-school program ended abruptly due to the pandemic. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Monday that the state will go into Phase 1, which opens some things at 25% capacity. Phase 1 is expected to last 21 days, which brings it into early June. Ford said plans are in place to have Boys & Girls Club summer program kick off in mid-June.
“Our plan right now is to open up on June 15,” Ford said. “We will have some restrictions, but we don’t know what that’s going to look like right now.
“The tentative plan is to open on June 15, but we are still looking at what restrictions we would need on the program to be able to safely make that happen.”
What’s happening on Friday, with the meals, is set for one day. Ford said that could change, should the need remain.
“We are going to see how it goes,” Ford said, “but it is something that we are definitely open to continuing every week.”
It’s part of the positive impact that the club strives to have in Abbeville and Vermilion Parish.
“We’re always trying to be an asset to the community,” Ford said. “We’re always grateful for the support that the community has given us. We saw that there was a need (for the meals).
“We’re about helping kids, so that is what we are trying to accomplish with this.”