NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans was put under a "stay home" mandate Friday, requiring residents to stay home when not out for what city officials described as essential services.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the new escalation in the city's fight against the coronavirus outbreak at a press conference, where she emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with other people.
"We need everyone to comply," she said. "Don't look for ways for the rules to not apply to you."
Critical businesses such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities and banks were expected to stay open, she said.
Cantrell said gatherings of any sort were prohibited, even waiting around for take-out food.
"walk-up ordering is not permitted," she said, adding that NOPD officers would be enforcing the ban on gatherings at restaurants.
We know that the ... negative impacts are real to their business," she said. "But it's imperative. It's vital to our ability to stop the spread."
City services would also be taking a bit, Cantrell said. She did not specify what cuts residents would see, but said her administration was working department by department to determine what services were essential.
When asked about hotels, Cantrell said she recognized the widespread problem.
"Occupancy is below eight percent, the airport is like a ghost town," she said.
Cantrell said measures already taken by the city, including deferring business taxes, would lead to a shortfall in the city's budget. Any measures the city could possibly take to support businesses have already been expended, she said.
"In regards to what city government can do, we’ve done it," Cantrell said. "It’s a big hit to the city, in terms of our operating budget, but its one we’re willing to take to float our businesses."
Gilbert Montano, the chief administrative officer for the city of New Orleans, estimated a $100 million deficit in the city's budget if conditions didn't change.
"The city does have a concerning cash position we'll have to face," he said. "Certain agencies will be scaled down."
But city leaders emphasized that economic losses paled to the threat of sickness and death if residents didn't heed their words to stay inside.
Jennifer Avegno, the New Orleans Director of Public Health, compared the situation to WWII, emphasizing the public unity needed to slow the virus's spread.
"Right now, coming together means staying apart," Avegno said. "The decisions you make today will save lives, or they won’t."
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