New Orleans is now in Phase Three of coronavirus pandemic restrictions, and city officials are increasing enforcement to make sure it can stay that way.
Earlier phases gave businesses more leeway. City officials say they are now getting tougher, shutting down violators.
"The enforcement strategy initially focused on educating businesses and the public of the dangers and the safety guidelines," said New Orleans Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Peter Bowen. "The strategy morphed from education to direct enforcement, against locations that continue to display unsafe practices."
Bowen said they have switched from education to direct enforcement, especially repeat violators.
"Bad actors have and will continue to be temporarily shut down for not following the established guidelines," said Bowen, although he said the city is still willing to work with them to help them stay in business.
Bowen says the city has worked with every business, even the bad actors, to protect public health, and try and keep people working.
"Under phase three, enforcement will specifically looking for bars that are operating as bars, not just doing take-out and to go service. This also includes street vending to stationary customers."
Bowen says they will also break up large gatherings and anywhere people aren't wearing masks. Indoor gatherings are limited to 50 and outdoor gatherings to 100. If everything goes well, the city could announce further loosening of the restrictions as soon as October 16.
