NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans leaders are easing COVID-19 restrictions, going to a "modified Phase 2" at least through Mardi Gras.
The new restrictions go into effect on Friday, Jan. 29.
New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno laid out the new guidelines in a Wednesday morning press conference.
Capacity in most places, including stores, restaurants, office buildings and churches, will increase to 50%. Social gatherings can now take place with a cap of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Social gatherings include anything like weddings, parties, backyard barbecues, a second line, etc.
"These situations are considered high risk, even potential super spreaders because of the number of people coming into close contact with each other," Dr. Avegno said. "The setting of an office space, classroom or church service is not the same as a social gathering because people are seated, their not mingling and they're masked the whole time."
Modified Phase 2
Restricted to 50% capacity
- Bars with AR-Conditional Restaurant permit
- Beauty salons, barber shops, and nail salons
- Casinos, racetracks, and video poker establishments
- Community centers
- Conference venues and meeting rooms
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Houses of worship
- Libraries
- Movie theaters
- Museums, zoos, aquariums
- Office buildings and businesses
- Restaurants
- Shopping malls and retail stores
- Swimming pools
- Tattoo, massage, and esthetician services
Gathering Sizes
- Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 individuals, with masking and social distancing required.
- Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 individuals, with masking and social distancing required.
- See details on gathering sizes
Masks Required
- Masks are required in public.
- Masks are required when around anyone outside of your household.
- Masks are not required when engaged in outdoor personal exercise, athletic competition, or when actively eating or drinking.
Social Distancing Required
- All activities must include strict social distancing.
- Businesses, residents, and visitors should ensure 6 feet distance between groups of people who do not live together.
Alcohol Sales
- Restaurants: Alcohol sales at restaurants must be accompanied by food sales. Restaurants and event venues can serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and to-go between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- Bars: Bars and breweries can serve alcoholic beverages through drive thru, takeout, curbside pickup, or outdoor seating between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Indoor seating is not allowed.
- Sporting events: Alcohol sales at indoor sporting events is prohibited.
Packaged liquor: Packaged liquor sales in the French Quarter and CBD is limited to the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Not Allowed
- Concert halls
- Amusement parks
- Fairs and festivals
- Arcades
- Indoor playground and play centers
- Second lines and parades
- Dance clubs
- Adult live entertainment venues
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