Any resident of Laredo, Texas, who walks into a building that is not their home without wearing some type of face mask could be hit with a fine of up to $1,000 during the coronavirus pandemic.
The city council originally voted to require everyone who went outside to wear a mask, but then pared it back to mandate a facial cover for anyone entering buildings, including offices; public transit; or outdoor gas stations, according to the Laredo Morning Times.
People must use a bandana, scarf, mask, or other fabric to cover their mouth and nose.
The city also instituted a strict curfew between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for anyone who is not an essential service worker. Violators face possible arrest and a fine anywhere between $50 and $1,000.
A city spokesperson clarified that people can still go outside and walk their pets on the sidewalk and exercise, as long as they are not in groups, so as not to conflict with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order.
“I’d rather bury them in debt than bury them in a coffin,” Councilman George Altgelt said about the fines.
Texas has more than 4,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Laredo has a population of nearly a quarter-million people and is located on the U.S.-Mexico border.
