What Are New Orleans’ COVID Restrictions Right Now?

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Thinking about visiting New Orleans? If so, you should know the ins and outs of the city’s COVID restrictions.

The pandemic has severely curtailed business as usual in the city. As a result, many of the things you would expect just aren’t there. The city and surrounding municipalities is taking several measures, including opening more COVID testing sites.

This article will tell you the details on New Orleans’ COVID restrictions.

What Are COVID Restrictions For New Orleans?

The COVID Restrictions for New Orleans are as follows:

Because COVID infections continue to rise, New Orleans is expanding the COVID-19 vaccine/testing mandate.

All locations where city residents who are adults are currently required to show proof of vaccine or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours will remain the same, and will now apply to children starting January 3, 2021.

Beginning Monday January 3: For everyone age 5+, the City of New Orleans is requiring proof of one dose of the COVID vaccine, or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours at restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
Beginning Tuesday, February 1: For everyone age 5+, the City of New Orleans is requiring proof of two doses of the COVID vaccine, except for those who have received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours at restaurants, bars, and other businesses.

Under the new expansion of the mandate, no exceptions have been made for conventions and large gatherings.

Although there is no mask mandate currently in effect, the use of masks indoors is strongly encouraged at this time.

The information below reflects the guidelines that are currently in effect.

Does New Orleans Have A Mask Mandate?

The City of New Orleans does have a mask mandate, which requires people to wear face coverings in the following settings:

While passengers and operators of public conveyances, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, buses, taxis, ride-shares, and the corresponding transportation hubs.
In all healthcare facilities, including physician’s offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities;
All K-12 educational institutions, unless the institution has adopted an isolation and quarantine policy for students, faculty and staff consistent with the protocols set by the Louisiana Department of Health.
All individuals over the age of 2 and without breathing complications (i.e. use of oxygen) are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in public indoor spaces;
Businesses must comply with all safety requirements as set forth herein. Nothing in these guidelines shall prevent private businesses from requiring masks or social distancing to conduct operations;
Movement around the City should be limited so as to minimize interaction with large groups; and live entertainment is only allowed following the rules set forth on pages 8-13, in addition to the specific directives below, when applicable.

What Happens If I Lose My Vaccine Card?

If you lose your vaccine card, you may be wondering what you can do. Here are the steps you need to take:

Contact the location where you were vaccinated and request a replacement card.
If you are not able to contact your original provider, contact your state’s health department.
- In Louisiana, here’s how to request a replacement copy from the state.

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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.