NOLA to Next Phase

Yesterday New Orleans mayor Latoya Cantrell announced that the city was ready to move into the next phase of reopening perhaps by the end of the week. Her announcement would mean expanded seating at churches, bars and some football games. The announcement came at a legislative hearing at which Mayor Cantrell was asking for tens of millions of dollars to help alleviate deficits brought on by coronavirus. The new reopening phase will clear the way for expanded seating at several events. Churches will be able to hold 500 people or be at 50 percent capacity, which ever is less. Bars will be able to operate outdoors at 25 percent capacity with 50 people. High school football games, beginning this Friday, will be able to have as many as 500 fans in attendance or be at 25 percent capacity, which ever is less. Phase 3.2 and expanded seating is especially welcome, De la Salle is actually holding a home game 42 miles away in Hammond. As for seating inside the Superdome, the city today said they have no plans to allow it anytime soon. But they say they continue to be in close communication with the Saints, who are now talking to LSU about playing there.