Phase III Reopening

New Orleans will ease the guidelines at 6am on Friday, May 28, 2021 as we enter the Phase III Reopening. 

The City of New Orleans has issued revisions to the restrictions and guidelines in place for the COVID-19 pandemic due to the increase in vaccine rates and the low rate of hospitalizations. This means that outdoor events like parades and second lines will be allowed to take place. 

Phase III Reopening Details

Presently, over 58% of all adults in New Orleans are fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Because of the this and the decrease in hospitalizations and new cases, many restrictions will be lifted on May 28, 2021, at 6am. As of May 25, 2021, the case counts, transmission rate and positivity rate have all been low for over 12 weeks. Case counts are below 50 cases per day, the positivity rate is under 1%, and the transmission rate is below 1.0.  The CDC considers an individual to be fully vaccinated when at least two weeks have passed since receiving the last dose of a complete vaccine series. These restrictions will be effective as of May 28, 2021 at 6:00 A.M.

Masks

• Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks.
• Unvaccinated individuals should wear masks and are encouraged to get vaccinated ASAP.
• Businesses may require masks for safety purposes.
• Masks are required in the following buildings:
  • City government facilities
  • K-12 and post-secondary institutions
  • Hospitals
  • Federally regulated transportation

Social Distancing

• Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required practice social distancing.
• Unvaccinated individuals should practice social distancing and are encouraged to get vaccinated ASAP.
• Businesses may require social distancing for safety purposes.

Gathering Sizes

• Indoor gatherings limited to 250 individuals. Outdoor gatherings limited to 500 individuals.  

• Large indoor events will now be allowed to occur with one of the following options:

  • 50% capacity without masks and distancing, or
  • 100% capacity with masks required, or
  • 100% capacity without masks if individuals provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours

• Large outdoor events will now be allowed to occur with one of the following options:

  • 75% capacity without masks and distancing, or
  • 100% capacity with masks required, or
  • 100% capacity without masks if individuals provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours

Open Safely

• All businesses and organizations in Orleans Parish should register with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal at opensafely.la.gov to receive sector-specific guidelines for reopening.

Live Entertainment and Special Events

• Live entertainment is allowed with a Special Event Permit or Certificate of Registration following the gathering size guidelinees.
• The COVID-related ban on second lines and parades will be removed and will be replaced by the traditional event permitting processes within the Department of Safety and Permits.

Alcoholic Beverages

• There are no longer pandemic-related restrictions on the sale of alcohol in Orleans Parish.

Learn more – HERE.