Today is the day the city of New Orleans starts enforcing Mayor LaToya Cantrell's proof-of-vaccination or proof-of-a-recent-negative-COVID-test order.
After just a week to try it out, businesses like bars, restaurants, gyms, and event spaces must check every patron for proof of vaccination, or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Failure to do so will mean penalties.
"That could include, as you've seen throughout this, we've done it before, we don't like doing it, but we've done it: immediate cease-and-desist orders," warned Beau Tidwell, press secretary for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "We shut you down on the spot until you can come into compliance."
Mayor's Office spokesman Beau Tidwell says they are making resources available to businesses that need help with the vaccine/negative test checks.
Click here to find the city's vaccine/testing mandate resources for business owners.
Tidwell said they are aware this is a difficult adjustment, but other remedies to the fourth surge of the pandemic would be even more painful.
"The alternative to this is a shutdown. We don't want a shutdown," said Tidwell. "We don't want to shut you down. We want everyone to be in compliance. We want everybody to get vaccinated."
Tonight's Saints game at the Caesar's Superdome will also be checking people for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Vaccines will be available to fans who want to get their shots before going inside the Superdome for the game.