Starting today, Jan.3, children ages 5-11 will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter a restaurant or business in the city.
Parents will have to show proof their child received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine or tested negative for 72 hours if they want to take their child with them to a restaurant or other business in Orleans Parish.
The new restriction comes amid this recent COVID-19 surge due to the more virulent Omicron variant.
New Orleans’ COVID-19 restriction website says:
As of December 30, 2021, the City of New Orleans has vaccinated more than 80% of all adults with the COVID-19 vaccine. However, only 64.6% of all New Orleanians and just 34.2% of the 5 to 17 year old population has been fully vaccinated. Furthermore, there are several census tracts in the City with vaccination rates below 50%. Additionally, the highly contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus has resulted in large increases in cases and hospitalizations in a short period of time. Therefore, the New Orleans Health Department is placing restrictions on certain activities pursuant to the Mayor’s emergency powers provided by La.
R.S. 29:727(F) and the “Mayoral Proclamation to Further Promulgate Emergency Orders During the State of Emergency Due to COVID-19” filed on May 15, 2020.
These restrictions will be effective as of January 3, 2022 at 6:00 A.M.
The citywide restriction comes as the New Orleans Public School System announced eligible children will be required to get the COVID vaccine by February in order to return to school this school year.
