New Braunfels issues order requiring face coverings

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman has signed an order requiring the use of face coverings at all businesses operating within city limits.

The order goes into effect immediately and also continues the local disaster declaration and public health emergency previously issued.

RELATED: Travis County order mandates all businesses to develop COVID-19 policies, require face-coverings

All commercial entities in New Braunfels providing goods or services directly to the public are now ordered to develop and implement a health and safety policy that requires all employees and visitors to wear face coverings whenever social distancing is not possible.

Businesses have until Sunday, June 28 to develop the policy and have it implemented by Monday June 29, when enforcement of the order begins. Sample policies and signage outlying the minimum requirements of the order are available for businesses online.

All persons over the age of 10 will be required to wear face coverings, which include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or handkerchiefs, when in public and when social distancing is difficult to meet. In accordance with Gov. Abbott's orders, no civil or criminal penalty will be imposed on individuals for failing to wear a face covering.

The city strongly recommends residents reserve the use of medical masks and N95 respirators for healthcare providers and first responders.

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To read the order in its entirety, or for more about the city’s ongoing response to COVID-19, click here.