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New Orleans city officials will be holding a press conference to discuss a "public safety plan" ahead of Sunday's Saints game in the next few minutes. I'll be live-tweeting in this thread
Some background: Fans will not be allowed in the Dome for the game against the Bucaneers on Sunday. However, city officials have been raising concerns about large crowds on Bourbon Street and elsewhere in recent days.
We don't know what the "public safety plan" will entail, but city officials talked abut stepping up enforcement of coronavirus restrictions yesterday. It's possible some new plans will be put forward today to prevent people from gathering to watch the game elsewhere in the city
Our story from yesterday on the restrictions and discussion of enforcement efforts: https://www.nola.com/news/coronavirus/article_d149607e-f3bc-11ea-8dfb-2bd76c2386ce.html
And a story from @AnthonyMcAuley2 on how businesses are preparing for the fanless Saints game: https://www.nola.com/news/business/article_e896d91e-f2d6-11ea-8cb8-6bfe28dd7472.html
Mayor Cantrell, NOPD Sup. Ferguson and Health Department Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno just arrived and the press conference is starting.
Cantrell starts by taking a moment to acknowledge the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Says she spent the morning participating remotely in the memorials to the victims.
Cantrell: When you think of the deaths we've experienced due to 9/11 and the deaths we've seen from this pandemic...almost the same number of people die every week in this country from the pandemic as died in 9/11
Cantrell also acknowledges the wildfires on the West Coast, says it shows the need to address climate change.
Cantrell: This weekend, Saints! Back in the Dome! And we're very excited about that...but like many things COVID is forcing us to do things differently.
Cantrell: Tailgating on city property will not be tolerated. (No tailgating on neutral grounds, underpasses, etc.). Gathering sizes are limited to the coronavirus restrictions.
Cantrell: Do not put others at risk with large gatherings that can turn into superspreader events.
Cantrell says no fans will be allowed at the third game later this month either. That had been something that was under negotiation earlier.
Cantrell: Tulane can proceed with football because we've received and have reviewed the mitigation plans they have in place.
Ferguson: Last weekend, labor day weekend we allowed our temptations to get the better of us.
Ferguson: When the Saints play this Sunday, please please do not go downtown to tailgate. Fans are not allowed in the Superdome and for the same reason we will not allow any tailgating on public property.
Ferguson: If you tailgate on public property please adhere by social distancing rules.
Ferguson: This is not just about you, this is not just about me, its about the people we are meeting and putting at risk of this virus.
Ferguson says NOPD will issue summonses for violations of social distancing guidelines and may make arrests if there are repeated violations.
Ferguson says to report an illegal gathering, call 3-1-1. Asks people not to call 9-1-1 so as to avoid tying up emergency phone lines.
Avegno, on the city's coronavirus trajectory: We have to be honest, there are many uncertainties about now and about our future.
Avegno says schools are top priority: With that priority in mind I'm asking everyone to take extra care with the Saints season starting.
Avegno says city's rules limit timed, seated events to 250 people. She credits that with preventing any superspreader events connected with those kinds of events.
Avegno reiterates that to prevent a superspreader event, the city will not allow fans at either this Sunday's Saints game or the next one later this month.
