The City of New Orleans announced that it would suspend the indoor mask mandate for most public spaces, effective Thursday, March 3, at 6 a.m.

The mask mandate will remain in place for all healthcare facilities throughout Orleans Parish and on public transportation, as detailed in the federal guidelines for all residents ages two and older. COVID-19 mitigation measures implemented for certain businesses requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry announced in August will remain in place.

“Thanks to the hard work and the sacrifices of our residents, visitors and business owners, New Orleans has once again demonstrated its ability to safely host large-scale events, such as Mardi Gras,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We should be proud of the progress we’ve made together, with mitigation measures in place that have helped us become national leaders in getting our people vaccinated and boosted. New Orleans is a safe destination to celebrate — and our people made that possible.”

For several weeks, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths drastically decreased due to the city’s more stringent mitigation measures, strong vaccine rates and proof of vaccination or negative test requirements for most indoor spaces and other facilities previously implemented. The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) encourages residents to continue to wear masks in public indoor spaces – especially when social distancing is not possible, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The mask mandate was reinstated to slow the spread of the virus on January 12 following the devastating surge of new COVID-19 Omicron variant cases and hospitalizations statewide. The City of New Orleans reports that 84.7 percent of the adult population (ages 18 and over) is fully vaccinated, and 45.4 percent of youth (ages 5-17) is fully vaccinated.

For more information regarding COVID-19 updates, guidelines, and testing and vaccination sites, text COVID to 77295 or visit ready.nola.gov/COVID.