More Restrictive Guidelines May Be Coming to NOLA

As COVID case numbers are on the rise in statewide and in New Orleans, more restrictive guidelines could be coming this week, impacting businesses already struggling to stay open. New Orleans restaurant owners and event coordinators are trying to find ways to keep their businesses running in the pandemic. Staying open is the biggest hurdle as updated COVID restrictions could mean a stop to indoor bar service Wednesday, according to New Orleans Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. Business owners are pleading with lawmakers to pay closer attention to the data showing where COVID exposure is happening most often. He is citing contact tracing data released in New York that shows private gatherings account for 70% of New York’s new statewide cases, while 1.4% are traced back to bars and restaurants. Meanwhile, those who host events are counting this year as a loss especially if gathering sizes are cut down to 25 people, which is the limit suggested by local city and state officials.