NEW ORLEANS -  Mayor Latoya Cantrell says she's authorized the New Orleans Police Department to begin writing fines up to $500 for anyone out in public without a mask. 

Cantrell announced police would be cracking down on those violating the mask order during a news conference Thursday. She said anyone who cannot pay the fine or refuses to do so will be ordered to pick up litter.

Mayor Cantrell just said at her afternoon press conference that she's authorized NOPD to fine people up to $500 for not wearing a mask in New Orleans. The code was "already on the books," she says. @WWLTV

— Devin Bartolotta (@devinbartolotta) October 22, 2020

The mayor has been gradually easing coronavirus restrictions in the city, though New Orleans has generally maintained stricter regulations than most places across Louisiana.