A video of police clearing pedestrians off of the popular Bourbon St. in New Orleans has gone massively viral overnight.
The footage of police cars warning crowds that “your actions are jeopardizing public health” and ordering them to go home or to their hotel rooms had over 2.6 million views in less than eight hours.
“Large groups of people are prohibited from congregating together,” police say over a loudspeaker as they drive down the street, which is normally blocked off from vehicles for pedestrian use. “Your actions are jeopardizing public health and we are directing you to clear the streets and to go home or back to your hotel. Thank you for your cooperation.”
#NOLA is clearing out #bourbonstreet. #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/Q7RyugN1iO
— Greg Mills (@Prof__Marvel) March 15, 2020
Like we are seeing in many cities, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell limited bars and restaurants to half capacity on Sunday evening over fears of coronavirus spreading. Shortly after midnight, she tweeted that the police “will continue to enforce the ban on large gatherings all over the City. Do your part in this critical #COVID19 moment! Limiting interaction will SAVE LIVES in #NewOrleans.”
Happening now: Our @NOPDNews will continue to enforce the ban on large gatherings all over the City. Do your part in this critical #COVID19 moment!
Limiting interaction will SAVE LIVES in #NewOrleans. #BourbonStreet #FrenchQuarterFind info online at https://t.co/2iY1VZzedn pic.twitter.com/EzQQBKp8Or
— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) March 15, 2020
All schools in the state were closed on Monday until further notice.
