New Orleans is moving into a modified Phase 3 of the city's reopening plan, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Wednesday (March 10). Starting Friday, the city will implement new restrictions, including increased capacity at businesses and restaurants around New Orleans, in response to the falling COVID-19 numbers and rising number of residents getting vaccinated, WWL-TV reports.
"The numbers are what they are because people have been doing the right thing, we have been putting in the work," said Mayor Cantrell.
Under the Modified Phase 3, both masks and social distancing are still required. Following statewide guidelines, the city will allow 75% capacity for restaurants, salons, movie theaters, museums, and offices. Bars, breweries, gyms and fitness centers, and conference venues will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Concert and music halls with fixed, permanent seating, can operate at 75% capacity with a max of 250 people.
While the city is taking a page from the statewide guidelines, it will implement tighter restrictions in certain situations. Gatherings will be limited to 75 people indoors and 150 outdoors, and event venues, fairs, and festivals can operate at 50% capacity with a max of 75 indoors and 150 out. Sporting venues will be limited to 15% capacity indoors and 25% out, while houses of worships can have capacity of 75%. Additionally, block parties and parades for St. Patrick's Day are prohibited.
According to WDSU, New Orleans has one of the state's lowest positivity rates at 1.5%. Cantrell credits this to residents following guidelines and getting vaccinated when it's their turn. At least 21% of the parish has gotten their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while 12% are fully vaccinated.
"I want to encourage our people to continue to do the right thing and get vaccinated," said Cantrell.
A full list of New Orleans' current guidelines can be found on the city's coronavirus reopening page here.
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