Video of a shoulder to shoulder packed Bourbon Street last weekend have New Orleans officials pledging to crack down on gatherings ahead of Mardi Gras.
New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson said Mardi Gras must be different this year and the city will be breaking up large crowds that gather for celebrations.
“What we will be doing is you will see an enhanced presence by the New Orleans Police Department this weekend as well as next weekend in the French Quarter area,” said Ferguson.
Traditionally Mardi Gras would be ramping up between now and Fat Tuesday on February 16th but this year all parades in New Orleans have been canceled and folks are being told to stay home.
“Remain home, find another way to celebrate carnival. Bourbon Street is not the answer, Canal Street is not the answer, Claiborne is not the answer, Frenchmen is not the answer,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson said this year for carnival stay home and stay socially distant from others.
“What everyone has to realize is that we are still dealing with a global pandemic and as such, it is in your interest, in the best interest of this entire city that we do things differently,” said Ferguson.
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