Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce President Todd Murphy sent a strongly worded letter to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Friday, accusing her of ignoring other parts of the region when issuing recent directives related to the coronavirus outbreak.

The letter comes as officials across the state and the country are engaged in an increasingly urgent debate about how to restart the sectors of the economy frozen by the outbreak while keeping residents safe.

On April 14, Cantrell said she didn't think there should be any large gatherings, including festivals, in the city until 2021. Subsequent days brought a series of cancellations, including of Jazz Fest and Voodoo Fest.

Cantrell stopped short of saying that she thought Saints games should be affected.

Murphy sent his letter Friday, urging Cantrell to collaborate with other parishes before making economic decisions with wide-ranging impacts.

"Your surprising decision to offer an opinion on the fate of future festivals and events have far-reaching and damaging consequences," Todd Murphy, President and CEO of the Jefferson Chamber, said in the letter. "This surprise announcement left many unprepared, and it likely set back our recovery in several critical sectors by weeks if not months."

Murphy's letter said he respected her position and her authority, but accused Cantrell of engaging in "risky" predictions when the situation is changing by the day.

+5 2020 Voodoo Fest in New Orleans called off because of coronavirus Being the final New Orleans music festival of the year did not inoculate the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience from the novel coronavirus.

"None of us know where this pandemic will lead, and it is impulsive for decisions or even suggestions to be made arbitrarily," Murphy's letter says. "Please communicate and collaborate with your fellow colleagues in neighboring parishes before making statements that could impact the entire region."

Cantrell's office refused to comment, but directed a reporter to an email Cantrell had sent to Murphy in reply. That email said Cantrell had based her decisions on data and the knowledge that organizers of the major festivals already wanted to cancel. Plus, she noted, hurricane season is approaching.

Making these decisions "is not a shared role and therefore, we do not share the accountability that comes with it," Cantrell wrote in response. "I suggest you learn more from the experts about where the region is from a data driven perspective before you chastise me about my decision making process."

Cantrell has extended the stay-at-home order within New Orleans until May 16. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng on Thursday refused to commit to the same move, saying she felt there was still time before that decision needed to be made.

The neighboring parishes are the two most impacted in the state by far. Orleans Parish on Friday registered 5,906 cases and 317 deaths. Jefferson had 5,476 cases and 269 deaths.

Staff writer Jeff Adelson contributed to this report.