New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell warned residents Thursday that failing to follow the city’s rules could land them a $500 fine from the police department.
She added that she would make an exception if someone couldn’t afford to pay, allowing them to work it off by “cleaning up the city” instead.
The warning comes ahead of what’s expected to be a busy weekend in the city. The Saints play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at the Superdome. Three thousand people are allowed to attend.
During a press conference, Cantrell and other public officials warned residents to follow Phase 3.2 rules, which allow for bars to operate outdoor spaces and allow increased capacity for events and churches.
“There’s still many cities across the country that don’t have their children back in school, we do!” Cantrell added, “We have businesses opening up, and we want to keep them open.”
Officials are erecting signs on Bourbon Street and trying to direct traffic flow.
Gov. John Bel Edwards is allowing 50 percent capacity for big events in some cities, but New Orleans will stick to the 25 percent capacity, for now.
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