Local leaders in Laredo, Texas have – if possible – gone even father than demanding their residents stay home during the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the border town is mandating that if a person must leave their house for “essential” reasons like going to the grocery store or to work, they are required to wear a face covering when entering any building or risk a $1,000 fine.
The Texas Tribune reports that “Starting Thursday, Laredo residents will have to cover their mouth and nose when entering any building that is not their home, according to the Laredo Morning Times. This includes offices, public transit and outdoor gas stations, per a Laredo City Council vote.”
“Those in violation of the order, which will continue through April 30, could face a fine of up to $1,000 if their mouths and noses aren’t covered with masks, bandanas, scarves or other fabric,” the Tribune adds.
According to the Laredo Morning Times, the order also applies to those going to work in "essential" jobs, including offices. The report added that the mandate has been scaled back from its original draft, which would have required citizens to wear a face covering at all times if outside their home, even in the open air.
The city has already ordered all its citizens to stay home unless going out for food, supplies or basic exercise, and has implemented a town-wide curfew from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Violators of the curfew mandate may be fined up to $1,000 or even face arrest.