The New Orleans Police Department prepares to shut down popular street hangouts during the Mardi Gras weekend.
“The NOPD is ready with a plan that we believe – with the cooperation of our citizens and visitors – will help us have a scaled back and safe Mardi Gras”, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said during a press conference on Friday, February 5 at City Hall. “Everyone has a stake in the response to COVID-19, and we must work together to keep each other safe. Please adhere to the established guidelines and avoid large gatherings.”
Beginning on Friday, February 12 and running through 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, the following street closures will be in place:
-DECATUR STREET: Closure of Decatur Street between Dumaine and Toulouse streets.
-BOURBON STREET: There will be limited access to Bourbon Street between Canal and Dumaine streets between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. each evening. Residents, shop attendees, restaurants patrons and hotel guests staying in hotels along Bourbon Street will be allowed access. However, no loitering will be allowed on Bourbon Street at any time. Additionally, barricades will be in place manned by NOPD officers on nearby Royal and Dauphine streets between Canal and Dumaine streets. Also, marked police units will be stationed at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets
-FRENCHMEN STREET: There will be limited access to the 500-600 blocks of Frenchmen Street during this time. Only residents, shop attendees, restaurant patrons and hotel guests will be allowed access. Manned barricades will be in place.
-CLAIBORNE AVENUE: A portion of the Claiborne Avenue corridor that runs beneath Interstate 10 will be fenced off, ranging from Orleans Avenue to St. Bernard Avenue. No gatherings will be allowed.
All NOPD personnel will be in operation during this period, along with Louisiana State Police personnel on hand to assist NOPD in implementing this plan. Officers will be instructed to break up congregating crowds, with the possibility of ticketing or arrest for those who do not comply.