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New Orleans police clear out bustling Bourbon Street after governor bans gatherings of over 250 people
Daily Mail
Mon March 16, 2020
Area: New Orleans
New Orleans police shut down the iconic Bourbon Street on Saturday night, telling revelers to clear out to prevent the spread of the killer coronavirus.
The beloved street in the French Quarter is famous for allowing drinking in the streets, its dance clubs, and late-night fun.
Police officers ended parties early Saturday night by driving through the streets filled with people and ordering tourists to go home, enforcing a Governor-issued ban on large gatherings.
Videos shared on Twitter show multiple police trucks flashing their blue lights and driving through the busy streets on Bourbon Street around 1am Sunday.
'By order of the governor and the mayor, large group of people are prohibited from congregating together,' a cop is heard saying over an intercom speaker.
'Your actions are jeopardizing public health. You are directed to clear the streets and go home and back to your hotel. Thank you for your cooperation.'
At least five police vehicles were seen taking over the streets, causing milling crowds to move around them and eventually disperse.
Officers mounted on horses were also deployed to move the crowds on and urge locals and tourists to leave packed bars.
On Friday Governor John Bel Edwards signed a proclamation banning gatherings of 250 people or more, including public schools, for the next month.
Some local business voluntarily started to limit the number of people allowed inside at once.
As of Sunday morning there are 91 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana.
Governor Edwards announced the death of a second Louisianan due to the killer virus, a 53-year-old individual with underlying medical conditions.
'Sadly, we have lost our second Louisianan to COVID-19. I ask the people of Louisiana to join us in sending thoughts and prayers to the family members and friends who have lost their loved one,' he tweeted.
Officials across the country are buckling down and placing bans on large gatherings, bringing spring break plans for thousands to a screeching halt.
New Orleans is a popular destination for spring breakers this month.
A similar scene is unfolding in Miami where state and city officials closed down South Beach and announced 'spring break is cancelled', ushering hundreds of college students off the sand in an effort to break up big groups and prevent the potential spread of the virus.
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