New Orleans: Coronavirus nixes Mardi Gras parades

(18 Nov 2020) The raucous Mardi Gras parades where riders on elaborate floats toss trinkets to adoring throngs have been cancelled in New Orleans because the close-packed crowds could spread the coronavirus. At least for this coming season, the pandemic has put an end to the New Orleans Mardi Gras as it has long been celebrated. City spokesman Beau Tidwell said Tuesday that no parades will roll during the weeks leading up to and including Fat Tuesday because they can’t meet restrictions meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The cancellation is based largely on a 250-person cap on outdoor crowds. The development came on a day when diagnosed virus cases rose nearly 2,600 in Louisiana, topping 207,000 overall. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...