The mayor has also ordered a ban on gatherings larger than ten people. Cantrell says too many people have been gathering and it has been driving up daily new cases and hospitalizations in the region.
The mayor also announced an incentive program to offer grants of up to $6,000 to help restaurants create more outdoor seating. Outdoors is considered a less-favorable environment for coronavirus transmission compared to indoors.
The mayor said people have to do better to prevent the virus from spreading in the community, and the reopening of school classrooms depends on it.
New Orleans Director of Health Dr. Jennifer Avegno said it is also important because too many hospitals are nearing capacity. She said the fact that some Acadiana hospitals have had to suspend non-emergency procedures should be a wake-up call to everyone in the state.
