About 30 New Orleans residents have contracted COVID-19 from recent events that New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno says are "super-spreaders."
Health officials say recent graduation parties attended by large numbers of people who were not social distancing, and gatherings of people at bars in Baton Rouge have helped spread the coronavirus.
"This is how the outbreak started in places like New York," Avegno said at an afternoon press event. "That is the easiest way for just a handful of people to spread the virus very, very quickly."
Avegno said state contact tracers are trying to reach out to others who may have been exposed, but not everybody is answering their calls.
"They're getting variable help when they call," she said.
Dr. Avegno reminded residents that there are rules people need to follow to if they are to host large gatherings.
"In Orleans Parish, if you have a gathering, the limit is a hundred people," she said. "Everyone must wear masks, and they must stay physically distant."
The doctor also said there must be a safety monitor for every 50 people, who will make sure people don't clump together.
With Father's Day approaching, Dr. Avegno said people need to remember that we are still in the first wave of the pandemic, and if infections spread, the city may have to tighten restrictions.
"This Father’s Day weekend, we urge residents to be mindful and protect loved ones by not taking unnecessary risks." said Avegno. "Wear face coverings in public, stay at least six feet apart, wash hands regularly, disinfect surfaces, and avoid large, uncontrolled gatherings."