Mardi Gras is in full swing in the Big Easy. So is hypocrisy.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya “The DeStroya” Cantrell recently imposed a mask mandate for the city prior to the start of Mardi Gras season, “following the science” regarding COVID-19 safety. The full mandate can be found here, but the key points are below:
In response to the exponential growth of new COVID cases and hospitalizations statewide due to the Omicron variant, the City of New Orleans today announced the reinstatement of the indoor mask mandate in Orleans Parish, effective Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6 a.m.
The mask mandate will be in place for all public indoor spaces, including all K-12 schools and healthcare facilities throughout Orleans Parish. Masks will also be required for use of public transportation as detailed in the federal guidelines, for all residents ages 2 and older. COVID-19 mitigation measures implemented for certain businesses requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry will remain in place.
With Mardi Gras season in full swing, Cantrell and her cohorts were seen at a recent ball without masks and flaunting her own mandate. Your kids in the city are forced to wear masks throughout the day, but if you are in a leadership position, these rules are not applicable. The response from her administration?
In a statement to Fox News, Cantrell spokesman Beau Tidwell admitted that there was not a "perfect adoption of the guidelines in every instance" over the weekend.
"The mask guidelines and the vaccination requirement will remain in effect thru Mardi Gras," he said. "That has not changed and it will not change. Under the current guidelines, masks may be removed indoors while eating and drinking. While we did not see perfect adoption of the guidelines in every instance over the weekend, we were encouraged overall by the level of masking and vigilance we saw on the parade route and at ball events."
In other words, who are you gonna believe? Us or your lying eyes?
It’s past time for the people of the State of Louisiana to stand up and fight back against these baseless mandates. It’s not about “the science”, but about political superiority.
Read more: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell held maskless ball after reimposing mask mandate