LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) –Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announced that government buildings will be closed effective immediately as an added measure to keep down the spread of COVID-19. He has also declared a state of emergency in Lafayette Parish.
Buildings closed include City Hall, the parish courthouse and local libraries. Libraries will remain open using a drive-thru method. Residents can call ahead and make their request for materials, and librarians will select and deliver those materials to patrons. More information on the operation of the courthouse will be issued separately.
Drive-thru bill payment options will remain open for LUS and LSU Fiber and other governmental payments. Payments can also be made by mail, online at www.lus.org and by telephone at (337) 291-8280. The Customer Service Call Center will be available to answer any LUS customer questions.
All LCG employees are expected to show up for work Monday as long as they are not ill.
Those who need more information can call 311 or visit http://311lafayette.services.
“The buildings remain closed, but the government remains open to serve you,” said Guillory.
There are currently no cases of coronavirus in Lafayette or Acadiana, but Guillory said experts expect that situation to change in the next 36-72 hours. He said it is expected there will be a “significant” number of cases.
In the next few days, Guillory said there will be four alternate screening and testing sites in Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville and Carencro. If needed, a fifth site will be set up in Scott. The sites will be manned by personnel from both Lafayette General and Our Lady of Lourdes medical centers. LCG is working on a few options to obtain a supply of testing swabs.
While the city-parish has not received any funding yet, Guillory said the measures are being taken proactively with the expectation of federal reimbursement to come. He did say he expected a “significant delay” in that reimbursement, however.
“This is what we’ve always done in the past,” said Guillory. “In response to hurricanes, for example, we get out there and we start rescuing folks, cleaning up and fixing things long before federal resources get here.”
Guillory also asked parents not to enroll their children in “day camps” or group activities that are being offered while schools are closed.
“We understand that this will create additional challenge for parents … but it is an essential measure in this public health emergency,” said Guillory.
Guillory said the city and parish councils will also continue to meet, but technology may be employed for the public to make comments. Since the government will be practicing “social distancing,” it is unlikely the two councils will hold joint meetings, rather voting on ordinances separately.
While Guillory said Festival International de Louisiane has not been canceled, he expressed doubts that the Festival will go forward.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This notice applies to all Lafayette Parish Waterworks District North (LPWDN) customers who receive a bill from LPWDN.
Starting Thursday, March 19, 2020, LPWDN’s lobby located at 307 Rue Scholastique will be closed to walk-in customers to reduce any spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Payments may be made by mail or online at lpwdn.com.
Check and money order payments may also be made at the drop box located at the above address. WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU DO NOT DROP OFF CASH.
With our customers in mind during this outbreak, LPWDN will temporarily suspend service disconnects for 60 days but will review the situation and may change the time frame as needed.
LPWDN highly recommends that customers continue making payments to have their accounts remain current.
To protect both the public and our employees, we have instructed our employees to keep an appropriate distance between them and our customers.
Customers may contact LPWDN at (337) 896-8683.
