An increase in new cases of coronavirus is casting doubts on the future of full-capacity events in New Orleans.
Even in New Orleans, which has led the state in declines from the spring to early summer, is now seeing new cases creep back up. Health officials say it is evidence that the more-contagious delta variant of the virus is taking over as the dominant strain.
So what does this mean for plans to have full-capacity large events?
"Before delta, I was maybe a little more confident we would get there," said New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. "We really need to see what happens with delta."
Dr. Avegno says masks may be required, or proof of vaccination, if large events want full capacity, but it all depends on how things play out with the delta variant, and how many more people get vaccinated.
"More than half of all our residents, those eligible and those young kids not eligible, are fully vaccinated," said Dr. Avegno. Doctors say the vaccines have been effective at preventing spread of the delta variant.
