Residents in Laredo, Texas, who do not cover their mouth and nose with a mask or other make-shift device could face a $1,000 fine as the coronavirus continues to spread.

The Laredo City Council issued an emergency ordinance this week enacting several rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The council extended the mayor's original emergency order, established a daily curfew for all residents and implemented a requirement that residents cover their noses and mouths.

Residents are ordered to shelter in their homes except for necessary errands and activities or to obtain services from essential businesses. Essential errands and services include seeking emergency services and medical attention and obtaining necessary household supplies such as groceries and food.

Beginning Thursday, people in the city must remain in their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Residents are only allowed to leave during this time for essential trips and necessities. People who must report to work during these hours are exempt, but will need to show a letter from their employer.

The council said Laredo police officers will be enforcing the ordinance and "may use their discretion." Violating the ordinance will be a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or jail for no more than 180 days.

The ordinance also requires residents age 5 and older to wear "some form" of covering over their nose and mouth when entering public buildings, using public transportation, taxis and ride shares and pumping gas. Coverings can include a homemade mask, scarf, bandana or handkerchief.

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Violating this requirement is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no more than $1,000.

The new rule does not apply to people in their personal vehicle, outside engaging in permissible physical activity, alone in a separate space or with their own household members.

The ordinance is in effect until April 30.

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide executive order Tuesday expanding social distancing guidelines. While Abbott said it was not a stay-at-home order, it requires Texans to minimize nonessential gatherings and in-person contact.

Texas has more than 4,600 cases of the coronavirus and 68 people have died. Webb County, in which Laredo is located, has 63 cases of COVID-19 and four deaths. Twelve people are hospitalized.

There has been public debate surrounding who should wear face masks as the world responds to a shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers.

While U.S. health experts initially advised only sick people to wear masks, Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Tuesday that that may change.

He told CNN that asking the American public to wear masks is "under very active discussion."