Even though Governor John Bel Edwards' and Mayor LaToya Cantrells' stay-home orders have been extended through May 15, the Regional Transit Authority expects their demand to increase starting Friday. As such, they are requiring masks or other face coverings for all streetcar and bus passengers.
"In preparation for increased transit demand, beginning May 1, 2020, RTA will require that all riders using public transit wear face coverings to mitigate further community spread of COVID-19," according to the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness web site, ready.nola.gov.
"Per the guidance of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), face coverings should be worn in scenarios where social distancing may be difficult. This precaution is being implemented as an additional safety measure to protect riders and frontline staff as transit continues to operate in the greater New Orleans area. The RTA is asking riders to self-police this protective measure."