Photo: EyeEm
The city of New Orleans is reinstating a mask mandate, just weeks away from the start of Mardi Gras, as a way of stopping a surge in COVID cases.
"Hospitalizations have risen statewide by a factor of seven," said health director Dr. Jennifer Avengo. "That is a faster rise than in the delta surge."
Starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, the following guidelines will be in effect until further notice:
- Masks required indoors in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, entertainment venues, and other businesses.
- Masks required in all healthcare facilities and public transportation, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, buses, taxis, ride-shares, and the corresponding transportation hubs.
- Masks required in all K-12 education institutions for students, faculty, and staff consistent with the protocols set by the Louisiana Department of Health.
A city spokesman says the action is necessary to allow parades to roll through the French Quarter.
Avengo also recommended residents get a "high-quality" mask, like a surgical or N-95 mask.
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