Beginning Monday, August 16, people in New Orleans aged 12 and up will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test in order to enter indoor restaurants and bars, indoor gyms and fitness centers, and indoor entertainment venues.
The new vaccine or test requirement also applies to large outdoor events, and it accompanies a current indoor mask mandate.
It is an “effort to curb the unprecedented level of hospitalizations statewide and the growing number of deaths due to the more contagious and more deadly Delta variant,” according to a statement on the City of New Orleans website.
Just One Dose, Indoor Masks Required
Regardless of vaccine status, face coverings must be worn at public indoor venues in New Orleans. Masks are also required at outdoor venues where more than 500 people are gathered if total attendance is at more than 50 percent capacity, according to current guidelines.
Similarly, starting Monday, at least one dose of a vaccine or a negative PCR test is required for individuals to attend outdoor events with 500 or more people if the venue is at least 50 percent full.
The one-dose vaccine or negative PCR test rule applies to all indoor entertainment venues, such as sports complexes, concert and music halls, bowling alleys and play centers, casinos, and arcades.
Dining establishments include indoor restaurants, bars, and microbreweries and distilleries. All indoor gyms and fitness centers, including individual fitness classes, are covered in this mandate as well.
Unvaccinated individuals can show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of entering an indoor venue.
How To Show Proof Of Vaccination
The City of New Orleans recommends Louisiana residents use LA Wallet, the state’s legal digital driver’s license app, to upload and store proof of vaccination. Dubbed the SMART Health Card, it allows users to display their digital COVID-19 vaccination record on file with the Louisiana Department of Health.
Alternatively, residents and American visitors to New Orleans can show an original CDC vaccination card, or a digital image or paper photocopy of both sides of the card.
An official vaccine record issued by another country or the World Health Organization will also be accepted.
Vaccination Rates In New Orleans
More than 74 percent of New Orleans residents over age 18 have been fully vaccinated, with only slightly more than 52 percent of all New Orleans residents fully vaccinated.
The City of New Orleans website notes that there are several census tracts in the city with vaccination rates under 50 percent.
Multiple vaccine events take place throughout New Orleans daily; see the calendar here. The vaccine is free.
