On The New Normal: Mayor Jeff Hall

MARDI GRAS FESTIVITIES TAKE A BACKSEAT THIS YEAR. MAYOR JEFF HALL SPEAKS ON ADJUSTING TO THE NEW NORMAL.

By: Ashlynn B.

When most people think of Mardi Gras, visions of beads, crawfish, and celebration with friends come to mind--not hand sanitizer and social distancing. Across Louisiana, millions gather every year with friends and family to celebrate Mardi Gras. Yet, in the midst of a pandemic, the celebration this year has come to a halt.

Not only does Mardi Gras provide entertainment; it is also critical to many businesses in the state. Many may wonder how the absence of their beloved Mardi Gras celebration will disrupt the income of businesses in their area.

Throughout the state, Mardi Gras not only brings people out and together but also attracts tourists to the area,which creates revenue for the state.

When asked what the most challenging aspect of Covid19 has been, Mayor Jeff Hall responded by saying “the unpredictability of it.” For the last 10 months this has been the new normal: unpredictability, for business owners, restaurants owners, and for their employees.

With this newfound unpredictability, it is critical for restaurants and other businesses to stay afloat, stay operational, and for the public to “work with businesses as to where they are compared to as where they used to be,” Hall says.

It is important that not only businesses, but the general public get out of a “pre-covid mindset” and accept this new normal to help everything stay afloat and operational while still doing what is best to keep everyone safe.

“Projects we had planned have been postponed” Hall says.

Parades and other festivities will simply not happen this year due to Covid precautions in efforts to minimize the spread of the virus.

The frustration following this ongoing pandemic is widespread and understood, but “we do not control anything we’re just part of the process” and “all we can do is keep vital services alive” Hall states. Focusing on keeping restaurants and businesses afloat despite their decrease in business this year is a priority. Although “the revenue they once had will not be there,” Hall encourages everyone to be understanding and supportive during these unprecedented times.

The way of life residents were once comfortable with is no longer there, so collectively they have to move forward and find new ways to adapt to the new normal. So although Cenla residents cannot celebrate Mardi Gras as they have in the past, finding new ways to celebrate and support businesses in the process is what the new normal is looking like this year.