The Lousiana Department of Health reported today that Orleans Parish has surpassed the 5 percent positivity threshold. This means that per the extended Phase 2 guidelines put in place by Gov. John Bel Edwards, the City of New Orleans has ordered all indoor bar service to cease at 11:00 p.m. tonight.

New Orleans Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno had previously warned residents that this could happen following a spike in cases after the Thanksgiving holiday. Both Avegno and Mayor LaToya Cantrell have been urging residents to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines of staying home as much as possible, social distancing, and wearing a mask or face covering.

New Orleans has been listed as having an active outbreak with community spread since mid-November.