COVID Ban on Parades and Second Lines Lifted in NOLA

As we are heading into a holiday weekend, at least one New Orleans area community will be celebrating Mardi Gras. Even though it's late, the citizens in Harahan are excited to celebrate carnival season with their Krewe of Kings parade on Sunday, May 30.

And there is other good news for those who love Mardi Gras and second lines, which are such a part of the fabric of our Crescent City. As of 6:00 am today, Friday, May 28, the city of New Orleans is easing COVID-19 restrictions for certain events. Vaccination rates are increasing, and the number of reported COVID cases is slowing down, which is what led city leaders to ease restrictions.

According to WVUE "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. The City may still evaluate applications for public health restriction needs."

There are other restrictions being lifted as well, and those include large indoor events with options listed below:

• 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 may move forward with the changes below:

• 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