Library Lifts Mask Mandate

Following Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s announcement last week, the New Orleans Public Library suspended its mask mandate Friday, October 29.

For several weeks, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths drastically decreased due to the City’s more stringent mitigation measures, strong vaccine rates, and indoor proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours for entry required for all businesses and other facilities previously implemented. The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) encourages residents to continue to wear masks in public indoor spaces – especially when social distancing is not possible as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

“The indoor mask mandate that was in place over the past several months helped us reduce the surge in cases we saw due to the Delta variant,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Director of NOHD. “Even though the numbers are currently low, we must remind our residents that this pandemic is not over and remains dangerous for all that may come in contact with the virus.”

Currently, the City of New Orleans reports that 60.3 percent of the total population is fully vaccinated, and 75.6 percent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.

For more information regarding COVID-19 updates, restrictions, and vaccination calendar visit https://ready.nola.gov/home/.