As coronavirus spreads across the United States, there are no known cases in Louisiana.
Officials, however, say they are moving forward under the presumption that it is coming to the state.
Health leaders say they have met with tourism officials to prepare.
"From the onset of the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”), New Orleans & Company and hospitality industry leaders have been actively working with local and state health department officials to mitigate concerns of visitors traveling to New Orleans," officials said in a news release.
They stress that although there are no confirmed cases of the virus in or near Louisiana, New Orleans & Company is in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide the latest updates on precautionary guidelines for visitors.
The agency charged with promoting travel to New Orleans and the region stresses that there are no current advisories calling on travelers to curtail or stop leisure trips.
"The federal government has not suggested limiting domestic travel or imposing international inbound travel beyond those already in place. We are working with local partners and businesses to prepare out of an abundance of caution, but it is business as usual as we wrap up one of our most exciting weeks of the year with approximately 1 million people visiting the city over Mardi Gras with no health related issues. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we want local businesses and visitors to be updated and aware, but the preparation is the same as it is for the flu and other viruses that could potentially impact visitors."
They are actively working "to reassure visitors of the precautions New Orleans has in place to mitigate the risk of infection and keep visitors and locals safe and healthy."
Organizers of upcoming festivals are also monitoring the progression of the coronavirus, but hopeful everything will move forward as planned.
Vice President Kristian Sonnier told WWL First News, "I can tell you there is no indication from our end that people are canceling because of coronavirus for French Quarter Fest of Jazz Fest."
He says they are listening to what officials are telling them.
"The experts are saying right now that canceling visits to the U.S. is a premature measure."
Officials with the upcoming festivals have released statements.
New Orleans & Company is also monitoring how upcoming global trade shows and conferences are being impacted and assisting event planners prepare and address attendees and stakeholders concerns, paying close attention to those with large international attendee base.
The BUKU festival is the next festival on March 20th and 21st.
Organizers are pledging to ensure everyone has a great, safe weekend at BUKU
French Quarter Fest is April 16th through the 19th.
Officials say they are adding hand washing stations and will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow official CDC recommendations.
Jazz Fest is April 23rd to 26th and April 30 to May 3rd.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage leaders are delivering a similar message.
They say they are working with officials from the city and state to monitor the situation while preparing for a successful and safe festival.