Mayor Latoya Cantrell of New Orleans said that Mardi Gras parades will “not be permitted” in 2021. The cities website cited that because COVID-19 spreads in group settings, the elimination of the parades on the festive holiday will help combat the devastating disease’s spread in the U.S.

The U.S. now has over 11 million recorded cases, and almost 250,000 deaths related to COVID-19. Rising surges have prompted governors and lawmakers to institute mandates to prevent the further spread of the virus. This upcoming year Mardi Gras will fall on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021.

Image Credit: Fox News