Beginning August 16, guests 12 years or older must show proof of at least one Covid vaccine dose or negative PCR test within the last 72 hours to partake in indoor dining and bars and indoor entertainment.
Cantrell said the city is implementing the mandate to avoid further shutdowns.
“One of the things I am definitely not in favor of is a shutdown,” Cantrell said. “Unlike this time last year, we have a tool that we did not have.”
Harrah’s is the only land-based casino in New Orleans.
The state of Louisiana reported 7,548 new Covid cases on Friday, the most cases reported in a single day. The Louisiana Department of Health reported 57 new deaths as Covid hospitalizations near 3,000 across the state.
The New Orleans Saints are also requiring a Covid vaccine or negative test to attend games at Caesars Superdome. New Orleans is the only NFL city with such a mandate for fans.
The Saints host the Jacksonville Jaguars Aug. 23 in a preseason game at the newly renamed stadium.
Caesars acquired naming rights for the stadium earlier this summer ahead of the company’s brand remodeling and renovation of Harrah’s into Caesars New Orleans.
Caesars is investing $325m into the casino over the next three years to build a 340-room hotel tower, add culinary and hospitality offerings and perform full exterior and interior architectural and design enhancements to match the Caesars brand.
