NEW ORLEANS, La. – The City of New Orleans has mandated proof of vaccination or a recent negative PCR test for people over the age of 12 to enter indoor spaces such as bars, restaurants, entertainment and performance spaces, gyms, and other facilities. This is in addition to the city’s indoor mask mandate.
The mandate also applies to outdoor events of more than 500 people if total attendance is more than 50% of the outdoor venue’s capacity, according to a news release from the office of Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
“To prove vaccination status, individuals can use the LA Wallet app; an original, digital photograph, or photocopy of CDC vaccination cards (both sides); or an official vaccine record issued by another state, foreign nation or the World Health Organization,” according to the release.
The announcement was officially made on Thursday, Aug. 12 by Mayor Cantrell during a news conference. The measure went into effect on Monday (August 16), but officials noted it wouldn’t be officially enforced until next week. Unlike a similar San Francisco measure, only proof of one dose of vaccination is required.
Louisiana currently has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the U.S., at 38 percent. New Orleans’ annual Jazz & Heritage Festival was recently canceled due to concerns over the pandemic.
