New Orleans Police disbanded the crowd that had gathered for St. Patrick's Day weekend celebrations at an Irish Channel bar Saturday afternoon.
Our @NOPDnews are onsite disbanding a large gathering. This is irresponsible, potentially endangering the entire community. New Orleans just had our first fatality. Be a part of the solution to slow the spread of #COVID19 #coronavirus @NOLAready Info: https://t.co/2iY1VZzedn pic.twitter.com/nhSHrw4eKC
— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell)
March 14, 2020 The tweet from Mayor LaToya Cantrell came hours after the state's first COVID-19 coronavirus death, a 58-year-old New Orleans resident.
Although the annual St. Patrick's Day block party at Tracey's and Parasol's Lounge down the block has been canceled, patrons still filled the area to celebrate, despite recommendations of "social distancing" to blunt the spread of the virus.
Health experts warn this virus has a higher mortality rate than the seasonal flu, and if it spreads too fast, could overwhelm hospitals' capacity to keep up with the number of patients needing treatment.
Please adhere to the following guidelines regarding large gatherings. #NOPDalert @nolaready @CityOfNOLA pic.twitter.com/xeJu4WfIVt
— NOPD (@NOPDNews)
March 13, 2020
