Tracking COVID-19 Today
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 Louisiana Department of Health's Respiratory Virus Dashboard and the CDC's COVID Data Tracker.
COVID Data Tracker
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 our national response, the need for continued vigilance remains important.
Preparing for the Future
Even as we move forward, residents should remain prepared for potential future surges. This preparation involves personal risk assessment for both yourself and your loved ones. The most effective strategies for protection continue to be:
Testing when exposed or symptomatic Using masks in high-risk situations Staying current with COVID-19 vaccinations
Staying Informed
To receive the latest updates and alerts about COVID-19 in New Orleans, text COVIDNOLA to 77295.
Current Guidelines
Current Status
The federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration concluded on May 11, 2023. While this marks a significant change in our official response, the City of New Orleans continues to actively monitor COVID-19 developments, including new variants, and will adjust public health guidelines as needed.
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 public transportation or most settings. Some healthcare 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
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing
Testing is available at many health care facilities, hospitals, and clinics in New Orleans. Each facility has its own criteria for who is eligible for a test, so we suggest you call first.
For free community sites, use the No-Cost COVID-19 Testing search tool.
What do I do if I test positive?
Follow the latest guidelines from the CDC if you test positive or if you think you have been exposed.
CDC Guidelines
COVID-19 Treatments Available at No Cost to Eligible Individuals
If you have COVID-19, treatments that can reduce the severity of the illness are available. The U.S. government has partnered with Pfizer to make Paxlovid available at no cost for those with no health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or other programs.
Paxlovid is for the treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in adults who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
Follow these steps to take advantage of this program:
-
Get tested.
If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you can get a COVID-19 test by:
- Buying at-home test kits online or in pharmacies and retail stores.
- Getting tested at pharmacies, urgent care centers, doctor offices, and other local testing sites.
- Using the Treatment Locator to find a free COVID-19 test.
You must have a prescription for Paxlovid to start the enrollment process. You can get a prescription at a doctor’s office, urgent care and pharmacies with clinics.
- Get enrolled.
Enroll by going to paxlovid.iassist.com or by calling 877-219-7225. A pharmacy staff member can also enroll you when you pick up the prescription.
- Get treated.
Treatment must be started within 5–7 days of when you first develop symptoms. Paxlovid is taken orally twice a day at home. Take treatment as prescribed and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any complications.
Antivirals are not a replacement for COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines help reduce the risk of getting very sick before you have COVID-19; treatments can help you feel better if you have COVID-19. Both are helpful tools that can prevent serious illness.
NOTE: Medicaid programs will continue to provide no-cost COVID-19 treatments through September 30, 2024. Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients will continue to receive Paxlovid at no charge through December 31, 2024 with the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) operated by Pfizer.
COVID-19 Vaccination Guide
Current Recommendations
Everyone age 5 and older should receive one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness. For our youngest community members, ages 6 months to 4 years, multiple doses are needed to build proper immunity, including at least one dose of the updated vaccine.
Special considerations apply for those with compromised immune systems, who may need additional doses of the updated vaccine. These recommendations are regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest medical evidence.
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.
Pharmacies and Clinics
Available Vaccines
Currently, three vaccines are approved or authorized in the United States:
Pfizer-BioNTech (mRNA vaccine)
- Current recommendation: 1 dose of updated vaccine
Moderna (mRNA vaccine)
- Current recommendation: 1 dose of updated vaccine
Novavax (Protein subunit vaccine)
- Current recommendation: 2 doses of updated vaccine, given 8 weeks apart
Where to Get Vaccinated
For Adults and Teens (12+)
Vaccination is readily available through LCMC facilities and NOLA Public Schools locations.
For Children Ages 5-11
Most pediatric vaccinations require appointments. You can schedule at:
Children's Hospital New Orleans/LCMC Ochsner Health Expressway Pharmacy Select Walgreens and CVS locations NOLA Public Schools
Supporting Our Vaccination Efforts
Volunteer Opportunities
Your help makes a difference in our vaccination efforts. The NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps welcomes both medical and non-medical volunteers to support vaccine distribution. Join us by signing up through the volunteer portal.
Sign up to volunteer
Community Outreach
We're actively working to increase vaccination rates through neighborhood outreach. Our door-to-door campaign has already reached over 10,000 households in areas with lower vaccination rates. You can participate either as an individual through NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps or through a community organization.
Social Media Advocacy
Help spread the word about vaccination by sharing your story. Use hashtags like #COVIDVaccine, #NOLA, and #SleevesUpNOLA to join the conversation. Share why you chose to get vaccinated and encourage others to learn more at ready.nola.gov/vaccine.
Stay Informed
Vaccination guidelines continue to evolve as we learn more and as new variants emerge. For the most current information, regularly check official health department updates and speak with your healthcare provider about your specific vaccination needs.