The City of New Braunfels has officially implemented its own local mask mandate.
“State and local health authorities agree that the implementation of certain health measures, including social distancing and face coverings, help to reduce the rate of transmission,” a city statement says. “The Mayor’s Advisory Group to Reopen New Braunfels, made up of business representatives from different industry sectors, was also consulted and that group also recommended additional measures to help slow the spread of the virus locally”
On Tuesday, New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman signed an order requiring the use of face coverings at all businesses operating within the city limits. The order took effect immediately after Brockman signed it. Under the order, all businesses that have direct interaction with the public are required to develop and implement a health and safety policy that includes masks and at least six-feet of distance between bodies. Businesses will have until Sunday, June 28th to develop their policy and have it implemented before enforcement begins on Monday, June 29th.
Unlike other local orders, such as Austin’s, no civil or criminal penalty will be imposed for failing to wear a mask.
“Making this decision on behalf of our community is not something that I take lightly. But this order comes after a lot of consultation with local health authorities, business leaders, city staff, and fellow Council members. Each person I have spoken with has shown great care and concern, not just for their own families, but for the well-being of the residents of this community,” said New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman. “The health and safety of our residents is the top priority, and this order is the right thing to do to take care of our community.”
