In New Orleans, a later ‘last call’ as virus rules eased

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Last call is coming later at New Orleans bars.

City Hall announced Friday that bars and restaurants in the city can sell alcoholic beverages until 1 a.m. - the latest easing of COVID-19-related restrictions in New Orleans. The previous shutdown-time for alcoholic drink sales had been 11 p.m.

The move comes after the city in recent weeks eased restrictions on business occupancy numbers, the size of public gatherings and live music.

COVID-19 has been blamed for more than 780 deaths in New Orleans. Friday’s news release said new case counts are averaging below 50 per day and the percentage of positive tests is running under 1%. Also, 37 % of the city’s residents have received at least one vaccine dose with 25% considered fully vaccinated.