Mayor will shut New Orleans down ‘without hesitation’ if residents ignore COVID-19 rules
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell had a message for residents not following coronavirus rules and guidelines set by the city and state of Louisiana: Do better or the city will shut down.
“If the city has to shut down we will do that, without any hesitation at all, because the public health will always be the top priority,” Cantrell said in a press conference, Nola.com reported.
New Orleans officials said clusters of recent coronavirus cases in the Crescent City have been connected to large gatherings, including graduation parties and a Juneteenth party at a downtown Airbnb rental, according to Nola.com.
The Advocate reported last week that a cluster of COVID-19 cases had been linked to bars near Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
Dr. Jennifer Avengo, the New Orleans Health Department Director, said at the press conference Wednesday that young people and parents don’t seem to grasp the seriousness of their actions.
“I’m imploring all of you to recognize your responsibility to your community,” she said.
Cantrell also said a task force is forming to enforce the city’s rule masks being worn in public to help combat coronavirus spread, WDSU-TV reported.
There are more than 52,000 confirmed coronavirus cases across Louisiana as of Thursday, according to Nola.com data, and 3,039 people have died from COVID-19 in the state.
