March 17, 2020 | From City of New Orleans
CITY CAUTIONS RESIDENTS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE POPULATIONS; HEED WARNINGS AND STAY HOME
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today issued the following statement, urging residents to abide by Gov. John Bel Edwards’ orders not to gather in large groups. With the state’s first fatality recorded today — and presumptive-positive cases continuing to rise — it is imperative that our residents practice social distancing to help slow the spread of the infection in our community.
"I was deeply disappointed this afternoon by the individuals who chose to ignore the sober warnings of our public health officials and the proclamation issued by the Governor," said Mayor Cantrell. "At the same time we were learning the sad news regarding the first fatality in our state, certain individuals were flouting the public health protocols and actively increasing the danger to their neighbors and their loved ones. This is unacceptable. The best tool we have for slowing the spread of the infection is to be vigilant about practicing social distancing. Respect your community, protect your neighbors, and believe the experts. Use your head, stop the spread."
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) will be strictly enforcing the ban on large gatherings, and events previously planned for this Sunday — including “Super Sunday” — will not proceed. The Indian groups and the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs have confirmed they will abide by the policy and will stand down to keep our people safe.
“It is disappointing that some people today decided to disobey Gov. John Bel Edwards’ ban on public gatherings of 250 people or more,” said NOPD Supt. Shaun Ferguson. “Such large gatherings are a public health risk as we try to slow the spread of COVID-19. The NOPD will continue to enforce the ban as public safety is our top priority.”
"I know that these are difficult times and even confusing, but please follow guidelines set by health professionals to not attend large gatherings. All of us have a role to play to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and to help prevent exposure to vulnerable populations. We’ll get through this, but let’s all of us do our part," said City Council President Helena Moreno.
"When we make decisions, we need to look at data. The latest report shows Louisiana has 77 reported cases of coronavirus whereas Texas has 62. The population of Louisiana is 4.6 million, while Texas has almost 29 million. Doctors have repeatedly told us about the dangers of community spread. We all want to support the local economy, but let’s take common-sense steps to limit contact with large groups," said District A Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso III. "This is not a knee-jerk reaction but a reasoned response to what is right in front of us. It is about containing this pandemic and local outbreak."
“New Orleans suffered its coronavirus death today. The threat of this virus is real and is not to be taken lightly. No one needs to lose their mind, but you can lose your life if you don’t practice safe sanitary actions during this period,” said District B Councilmember Jay H. Banks. “Gatherings like the ones that happened along Magazine Street are unsafe, reckless and should not happen again. I am asking all of our culture bearers and all of those who love and support them to please not gather tomorrow. Super Sunday will happen when it is safe to do so. Please do not jeopardize your life, your family’s lives, or any others that you may come in contact with by participating in large gatherings.
“It’s just not worth it,” Councilmember Banks added. “Please pay attention to the warnings from all of the official sites and keep you and your families safe. We are all in this together and we will all get through it together.”
"Your actions can help us curb the COVID-19 outbreak in New Orleans and across the state. Social distancing and avoiding large crowds drastically reduce the threat of the virus. Please remember, that we have seniors and people with chronic illnesses who are most vulnerable," said District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer. "They are our parents, grandparents, neighbors, co-workers, and the action you take or don’t take could decide the fate of their lives."
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