During an impromptu survey of people on the street around the Warehouse District's bars and restaurants, WWL found most participants were vaccinated and had their proof of vaccination cards at the ready.
"I've got the vaccine card in my pocket book. We're both ready to show our cards. I'm ready as I can be, but I won't be here, I live in New York! I'm fully vaccinated, but I don't have my card with me, so it may be difficult to get breakfast tomorrow morning! Fully vaccinated, got proof of vaccination on my phone (LA Wallet), and got it everywhere I'm going. Yeah I'm vaccinated, too. I got vaccinated in April. I am vaccinated; I've been vaccinated since February. I think it's great; I think New Orleans is doing the right thing to protect its citizens. I'm great with my mask, I'm great with giving my vaccine card!"
Many who we spoke to were enthusiastic about the new regulation:
"I'm actually thrilled that they're doing it! Those that are vaccinated, there's been definitive proof that if they do get COVID the symptoms are not bad. I think it's a very good solution actually, to avoid having businesses shut down. I'm vaccinated myself, because I have two elderly parents that I take care of."
Still, there were some who were not on board with the idea of card checking or vaccination for certain reasons:
"I don't think that mandatory is the way to go with things. Forcing people to do things is not the right thing. Currently I am not vaccinated, but they're private institutions, they can do it if they like. I feel like anybody coming into an American business in an American city shouldn't have to show papers. I also feel medical decisions are personal."
Since there's no getting around the requirement going into effect, today; those who aren't vaccinated or unwilling to comply will just have to go into another parish.
