City Announces Modified Phase Two as COVID-19 Case Rate Decreases in Orleans Parish (1.28.2021)
Due to COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decreasing over the past several weeks, the City of New Orleans announced yesterday a Modified Phase Two, with increased capacity limits and gathering restrictions, which will go into effect Friday, Jan. 29 at 6 a.m. and will last through the Mardi Gras holiday.
The Modified Phase Two will begin in Orleans Parish at 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, with the following major changes:
Most sectors will be allowed to resume to 50% capacity, including restaurants, retail establishments, office buildings, etc.
Bars are not included in this category, who by State regulations are still required to be closed indoors
Social gatherings are limited to 10 individuals indoors and 25 individuals outdoors, with masks and social distancing required
Timed, seated events are limited to 50% capacity, including Church services, classrooms, movie theaters, etc.
The new guidelines also include a revamped section on live entertainment rules and permitting, based on national research and engagement with local stakeholders in the musician and venue communities. All live entertainment will still require a permit; however, a new and simple permit has been developed for porch concerts and will be granted at no charge. Indoor live entertainment is allowed in restaurants and event venues, although singing and wind-blown instruments continues to be banned indoors. Outdoor live entertainment will be allowed with an audience of up to 25 members (drive-in events will be allowed up to 25 households). In all settings, masks and social distancing are required by both performers and audience members. More information is available at ready.nola.gov/livemusic.
For a full list of current guidelines please visit the website here.
The City wants to emphasize that the majority of cases are happening in small social event type settings, like weddings, parties, backyard barbeques. It’s important to continue to limit the amount of people at these events to 10 individuals indoors, and 25 individuals outdoors, maintain social distancing and wear a mask.