Mayor Latoya Cantrell announced Wednesday that the city is launching a task force to make sure businesses and residents comply with all of the Phase 2 rules: wear masks, don’t gather in groups of more than 100 people, and keep a distance of 6 feet from others. She said the task force will issue citations and have the authority to shut down non-compliant businesses.
New Orleans will stay in Phase 2 for now, Cantrell said at the press conference. She said cases have been increasing and expressed frustration over businesses and individuals who are not following the rules carefully.
The state saw the highest jump in coronavirus cases on Monday since April, as officials have loosened restrictions.
The enforcement team is made up of staff from Code Enforcement, Safety and Permits, city and state health departments, the state Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control, and the State Fire Marshal. Some city employees will start working on weekends to staff the team.