'The time for warnings has passed' | New Orleans shutting down bars for breaking COVID rules According to the city, the violations included not enforcing mask-wearing or social distancing and alcohol being served past 11 p.m. Author: Paul Murphy / Eyewitness News Published: 6:49 PM CST February 8, 2021 Updated: 9:25 PM CST February 8, 2021 NEW ORLEANS — The city of New Orleans is making good on its promise to shut down bars and businesses not following guidelines ordered to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. “We spent almost 10, 11 months now providing, guiding, educating, supporting businesses being in compliance and reopening safely,” New Orleans Deputy CAO Peter Bowen said. “The time for warnings has passed.”