Laredo Times

The Laredo City Council passed a motion that requires residents to wear a face covering or mask or face a fine up to $1,000.

To help stop the spread of the coronavirus, residents in Laredo are being asking to wear a face mask or another type of item that covers their nose and mouth, according to the Hill. Resident who don't comply can potentially face a fine of $1,000. 

The motion states that all city residents ages 5 and older are required to cover their nose and mouth in public areas. The motion went into effect on Thursday. 

“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 notice to the public said. 

As of April 17, Texas reported 17,371 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 428 deaths. Webb County has 245 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

On Thursday, a citywide curfew also went into effect, the Hill reported. Those who violate the curfew could face a fine or jail time. The curfew lasts from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., during which time all residents are required to stay at home, according to the Hill. Residents are allowed to leave their homes past curfew for essential trips and necessities. 

“Those who must work during those hours will be exempt from this ordinance, but must show proof such as an I.D. or a letter from their employer. Laredo Police Officers will be enforcing this ordinance and may use their discretion,” the notice said.

If the curfew is violated, that individual can face a fine up to $1,000 or jail time that will not exceed 180 days, the notice said. 

The new motion passed by the city doesn't override any order given by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a city sopkesperson told the Laredo Morning Times. 

Abbott's order allows people to exercise outside, which means residents of Laredo are allowed to exercise outside during the curfew, but not as a group,