Minutes after a press conference about the killing of two people concluded, New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson fielded questions about the city’s potential response to unauthorized gatherings of crowds in the French Quarter as Mardi Gras approaches.
“We’re still dealing with a global pandemic,” Ferguson spoke. “It is in the best interests of this entire city that we do things differently.”
Ferguson made it clear to the gathered media that the city was going to take action. Exactly what the plan is has yet to be made public as Ferguson indicated at the end of the short press briefing he would be on his way to a meeting with the Mayor.
Ferguson talked about some of the efforts to discourage gatherings going into effect. “You will see an enhanced presence by the New Orleans Police Department this weekend as well as next weekend in the French Quarter area.”
The Chief Superintendent implored gatherings in Quarter are not the way to fight a pandemic:
“Remain home, find another way to celebrate Carnival,” Ferguson emphasized. “Bourbon Street is not the answer. Canal Street is not the answer. Claiborne Avenue is not the answer and neither is Frenchman. We need you to stay home and distance yourself from others.”
Ferguson was promising to call out the cavalry if need be to keep people from gathering in the French Quarter for Mardi Gras.
“Our partners at the Parish Sheriff’s Office mounted patrol, you will see an increased presence on our behalf. I won't go into the particulars just yet…”
Ferguson says we're still in the middle of a pandemic and now is not the time to be partying outside with others potentially spreading COVID-19.
Asked about the possibility of closing Bourbon Street to foot traffic, the Chief responded:
“Nothing has come off the table, but when you’re talking about closing Bourbon, you’re also talking about affecting businesses as well. So there’s a lot we must take into consideration with whatever our plans we may implement. But nothing has been taken off the table yet.”
With that the Chief excused himself to make his meeting with the Mayor.