Unlike in previous phases of restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, the city of New Orleans is not going to have more strict restrictions than the rest of Louisiana during the current surge.
"While it appears New Orleans is not experiencing the same levels of explosive growth that we are seeing elsewhere in the country, we are seeing a concerning uptick in cases and in positivity," mayoral spokesman Beau Tidwell told reporters.
He says the city is also seeing more people admitted to hospitals for treatment of COVID-19.
"Hospitalizations have been ticking up."
Tidwell said, however, that while for now city will have the same rules as the rest of the state.
"We are truly supportive of Governor John Bel Edwards' Phase 2 measures," he explained.
Edwards last week sent the state back from Phase 3 to Phase 2, reducing gathering sizes and maximum capacities of most businesses. He also banned alcohol consumption inside bars in parishes with COVID positivity rates above five percent.
New Orleans currently has a positivity rate of just 2 percent, down from 2.5 percent the week before.
"The next few weeks are going to be critical," Tidwell said. "We are asking everyone to please keep your head about you."
He warned that if things in New Orleans do start to turn for the worse in New Orleans, the city's position might change.
"It is critical that everyone take whatever measures you can... and help us reduce the spread."
Tidwell urged everyone to prevent COVID spread through the Christmas season.
"Be safe for the season... please make that a priority."
