The city of Laredo is taking additional actions to stop the spread of COVID-19. The city government is extending their stay home/work safe order, adding a daily curfew for all residents, and implementing a requirement for residents to cover their noses and mouths in certain public spaces.
Regarding the mask requirement, the order states that all persons over the age of five (5) are required to wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, when: entering into or inside of any building open to the public; when using public transportation, taxis, or ride shares; or when pumping gas. This does not apply when a person is: engaging in a permissible outside physical activity; that are riding in a personal vehicle; that are in alone in a separate single space; that are with their own shelter group (household members); when doing so poses a greater health, safety or security risk; or for consumption purposes. The penalty for a violation of this section shall be a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00.
LA hasn't gone quite this far yet, but the mayor of Los Angeles is urging citizens there to wear a mask in public.
These policies get mixed reviews from public health experts. According to Forbes, some fear that the masks will give people a false sense of security, leading to relaxing social distancing precautions and further community spread.