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City of Waco requiring the use of face masks in public places, businesses

Posted at 8:09 PM, Jun 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-24 00:20:57-04

WACO, TX — Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver has issued a proclamation mandating the use of face masks in businesses and public places.

The order was extended until at least July 7 during a June 23 City Council Meeting.

The order states everyone 10-years-old and older must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when in a public place where it is difficult to maintain six feet of social distance.

Commercial entities in the City of Waco providing goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a health and safety policy. That policy must require, at minimum, that every employee or visitor to the commercial entity's business premises or other facilities wear a face covering when in an undivided room or area.

The order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 20. Businesses have until 12:01 a.m. on June 24 to develop and implement a health and safety plan. Failure to do so may result in a fine not to exceed $1,000.

There is no civil or criminal penalty for individuals who fail to wear a face covering.

Face coverings do not need to be worn in the following circumstances:

  • When exercising outside or engaging in physical activity outside
  • While driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver
  • When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety, or security risk
  • While pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment
  • While in a building or participating in an activity that requires security surveillance, screening, or identification, for example, banks
  • When consuming food or drink.

The order strongly recommends residents don't obtain or wear medical masks or N-95 respirators, as they are a needed resource for healthcare providers and first responders.

Face coverings may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or handkerchiefs

The City of Waco says in a matter of seven days, the active COVID-19 case count in McLennan County has increased from 25 cases on June 12 to 118 on June 19. Earlier this week, McLennan County had its fifth death attributed to COVID-19, a 46-year-old man who had no known underlying conditions.

Full order:

The resolution extending the order through July 7 can be found here: