By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer
As new fears over the spread of COVID-19 infections mount, Marble Falls city officials have responded by “requiring businesses to enforce the wearing of facial coverings for customers and employees,” according to a June 29 statement by the municipality.
The order – effective at midnight June 30 – was issued by Mayor John Packer citing COVID-19 virus as the reason for the announcement.
“Face coverings must be worn at all times by persons over the age of two years old and who can medically tolerate doing so when in public places within the city of Marble Falls,” the statement read. “The requirement applies to employees, customers and clients of businesses within the city.”
Gov. Greg Abbott last week announced a pause in the phased re-opening of the state last week which involved closing bars and reducing dining area allowances for businesses. In those new order, he also gave municipalities and county governments the option of imposing more stringent health guidelines aimed at minimizing the virus risk.
The city's order directs merchants to post notices at business entrances.
No penalties were associated with the city order. However, it asked merchants to reject customers entering stores.
“Businesses can turn away anyone who refuses to wear a face covering,” the city statement read.
“The city of Marble Falls encourages residents to follow this order to protect themselves and others from the virus,” the statement continued. “The goal is to protect the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
Find more stories like this in The Highlander, the newspaper of record for the Highland Lakes. To offer a comment or news tip, email editor@highlandernews.com. Call 830-693-4367 to subscribe.
-
At midnight, June 30, a Marble Falls city order goes into effect directing businesses and other public spaces to turn away customers who do not wear masks to try to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. Pictured here are patrons browsing recently at the Marble Falls Public Library.