About COVID-19
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
How COVID-19 spreads
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others' eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch.
Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.
Feeling Sick? Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have COVID-19 symptoms and seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment.
Reinfection
- Reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 occurs when you are infected, recover, and then get infected again.
- You can get reinfected multiple times.
- Staying up to date on vaccines and seeking treatment for a COVID-19 infection can help decrease the risk of experiencing severe illness.
Prevention
There are many actions you can take to help protect you, your household and your community from COVID-19. CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance provides actions you can take to lower the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 and lower the risk of severe illness if you get sick.
COVID-19 Vaccination Guide
Current Recommendations
Everyone ages 6 months and older can get the updated vaccine to protect against severe COVID-19 infection. Recommendations for specific groups are updated on the Access to Vaccines webpage.
Understanding COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines work by engaging your body's natural defense system to produce antibodies. These antibodies serve as your protection against infection, either preventing illness entirely or helping you recover more quickly if you do become sick. Unlike treatments that help after infection, vaccines provide prevention before exposure.
Available Vaccines
Currently, there are two types of COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the United States:
None of these vaccines can give you COVID-19.
- Vaccines do not use any live virus.
- Vaccines cannot cause infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses.
Where to Get Vaccinated
- Your health provider
- Pharmacies
- Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)-supported health centers, including HCH clinics
- Employer-sponsored and community-hosted vaccination events
Locate vaccines near you
Getting Your Vaccine for Free or at Low Cost
Most health care insurance plans cover the updated COVID-19 vaccination as preventive care. Vaccines are often available at no or low cost to people who do not have insurance through community events or other programs. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about these programs.
COVID-19 in New Orleans
The monitoring of COVID-19's impact and the effectiveness of our prevention strategies continues to be a key focus of public health efforts. Following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration, some changes have occurred in how data is collected and reported. Currently, you can find the most up-to-date COVID-19 tracking information through two primary sources: the CDC's COVID-19 surveillance data (previously on CDC’s COVID Data Tracker) and Louisiana Department of Health's Respiratory Virus Dashboard.
CDC COVID-19 Surveillance Data
LDH Respiratory Virus Dashboard
Changes in Public Health Emergency Status
The federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19, which was declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, concluded on May 11, 2023. While this marked a significant transition in the national response, the need for continued vigilance remains important.
Community Status Update
As of May 5, 2022, Orleans Parish maintains a LOW COVID-19 Community Level, based on CDC measures and thresholds outlined in Section III of the City of New Orleans Health Department Guidelines. This classification has led to several policy adjustments.
Current Policy Framework
Vaccination and Testing Requirements
Previous requirements for proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests to enter establishments have been lifted. Businesses are no longer required to check vaccination status or test results for entry to bars, restaurants, event spaces and other venues.
Face Mask Policies
Mask requirements have been adjusted across various settings. While masks are encouraged for personal protection, they are no longer mandatory in most settings. Some health care facilities and long-term care settings may maintain their own masking policies. Visitors should contact these facilities directly for current requirements.
Private Business Rights
An important note: These guidelines do not restrict private businesses from implementing their own safety measures. Any business may choose to require vaccinations, negative tests, masks or social distancing as part of their operations.
Recommendations for Public Health
Individual Responsibility
The New Orleans Health Department encourages all residents and visitors to take personal responsibility in preventing COVID-19 spread. This involves:
- Making informed decisions about attending large or crowded gatherings based on personal risk assessment
- Considering mask use in public settings when appropriate
- Maintaining current vaccination status, including recommended boosters
High-Risk Individuals
People at higher risk for COVID-19 complications, including elderly individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions, should maintain enhanced precautions:
- Exercise extra caution when considering attendance at large gatherings
- Consider consistent mask use in public settings
- Ensure vaccinations and boosters are up to date
For Health Professionals: Download Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 Guidance
Future Preparedness
The City emphasizes the importance of preparing for potential future surges. Residents should:
- Regularly assess personal and family risk levels
- Maintain awareness of proven prevention strategies
- Stay informed about current community transmission levels
- Keep up with recommended vaccinations
Staying Informed
The New Orleans Health Department continues to monitor the situation and will update guidelines as needed based on public health data and emerging conditions.
Remember: These guidelines represent minimum requirements. Individuals and businesses may choose to implement additional precautions based on their specific circumstances and risk assessments.