The City of New Orleans announced via NOLA Ready on Tuesday that the citywide mask mandate will be reinstated effective 6:00 am on Wednesday, Jan. 12. Masks will be required indoors throughout the city, including in bars, restaurants, fitness centers, entertainment venues, K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, and on all public transportation.

Following the holiday season Region 1 (Greater New Orleans) has led the statewide surge of Omicron cases. Today the Louisiana Department of Health reports 12,494 new COVID-19 cases, with 2,123 (17%) of those coming from Region 1. New cases were highest among young adults ages 18-29 (20%) and children ages 5-17 (17%).