Laredo residents who enter a building that is not their home must cover their nose, mouth

Adrian Torrez, 41, wears protection as he walks between stores in downtown Laredo, Texas, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Torrez, who works at a shoe retail and wholesale business said he has seen a drop in business in response to the coronavirus threat. The majority of businesses in the downtown area sell to the Mexican market. He said that his boss required them to wear the protective gear. less Adrian Torrez, 41, wears protection as he walks between stores in downtown Laredo, Texas, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Torrez, who works at a shoe retail and wholesale business said he has seen a drop in business ... more Photo: Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Photo: Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 266 Caption Close Laredo residents who enter a building that is not their home must cover their nose, mouth 1 / 266 Back to Gallery

In an effort to further curb any community spread of novel coronavirus, Laredo City Council has mandated that anyone who enters a building that is not their home must cover their mouth and nose with a mask, bandana, scarf or any fabric, or else face of a fine of up to $1,000. This includes offices. The order begins April 2 and continues through April 30.

Council had originally voted that anyone who goes outside at all must cover their nose and mouth, but later refined the rule because it was so broad. Now if anyone enters a building, public transit or outdoor gas station, they must cover their nose and mouth.

Council also voted to extend the curfew that originally pertained only to juveniles to all Laredo citizens. Now only people who are working or out for essential services may leave the house between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. or else face a fine of $50 to $1,000. This is an arrestable offense, and will also go into effect from April 2 to April 30.

According to Gov. Greg Abbott’s order, Texans can continue to exercise and walk pets on the sidewalk. The city’s curfew does not supersede that order, so Laredoans can walk outdoors after 10 p.m. as long as they’re not in a group, according to the city spokesperson.

The city’s Stay at Home Work Safe order, which has closed a range of non-essential businesses, was also extended another 30 days.

There was concern that in these tough times people may not be able to afford the fines attached to the new aspects of the order.

“I’d rather bury them in debt than bury them in a coffin,” Councilman George Altgelt responded.

He also noted that Laredo is next door to a country that is not taking this pandemic seriously, so the city is compelled to take extra precaution.

Council also voted to give $10,000 to the Laredo Regional Food Bank, $10,000 to Joseph’s Pantry and $100,000 to the South Texas Food Bank, anticipating that they will be reimbursed by FEMA up to 75%.

City Manager Robert Eads said this reimbursement is not guaranteed, and noted that the city’s budget is already under strain due to this crisis.

But Councilman Dr. Marte Martinez said it is their responsibility to feed the community in times of crisis and to not let people starve.

Council members and city staff were separated between several rooms during the meeting, and wore masks and gloves. This caused some audio issues, which made much of the meeting difficult to decipher over the live stream on the city’s website.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com