New Orleans becomes the first city in the state to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter places like restaurants, bars, and other indoor venues that have a higher rate of transmission. Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement Thursday that goes into effect Monday, August 16th, but she urges venues not to wait.
“The best way forward for our public health and our public safety is to mandate that everyone show proof. We want you here, and we want you vaccinated. This is our visitors as well,” said Cantrell.
Places you’ll have to show proof include gyms, sports complexes, stadiums including the Superdome, concerts venues, music halls, adult performance venues, and casinos. Cantrell said showing proof is a better option than capacity restrictions.
“In terms of limiting capacity, we’re not doing that. We’ve got to get our people vaccinated and our route is also making it mandatory,” said Cantrell.
The mayor warned critics not to look for loopholes or a reason to be an exception; just look for your vaccination card and be prepared to show it. Cantrell said she didn’t have an issue dining last weekend at a restaurant that asked for her card, and neither should others.
“No problem, I was proud! I had my card laminated, bam, pulled it out, and then my friend who I was with, she had her LA Wallet, bam, pulled it out, and we had a great time dining,” said Cantrell.
Cantrell says they are giving venues a week’s grace period before enforcement will go into effect Monday, August 23rd. Ideally, she wanted to give businesses more time but due to growing case numbers and overcrowded hospitals, additional time is not an option.
For information about LA Wallet and how to get a digital copy of your vaccination card click here.
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