With public schools closed for a month, learning has largely shifted online.
Despite assurances from Mayor Cantrell that quarantined employees will get "civil leave" pay, three employees told The Lens they are currently on unpaid leave.
Defense attorneys say city's jail is a dangerous environment during an outbreak.
Schools are closed at least until April. Tests were set to begin at some schools by the end of March.
The fire department will no longer respond to 911 medical calls if the person is describing symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus.
The move follows Governor John Bel Edwards' order to close bars and limit restaurants to carryout and delivery. Grocery stores, health facilities and pharmacies will remain open.
Eight meal-distribution sites were up and running Monday with several more expected to open throughout the week.
The office said that low-level arrests have continued in spite of coronavirus threat.
Visitors to City Hall to be screened for fevers. Some city employees can work from home.
New Orleans officials are working on opening drive-through testing centers and announced the closure of libraries as coronavirus cases grow in the city.