This story describes the city’s new mandate through April 30 that people entering buildings other than their own home take steps to cover their mouth and nose.

The city of Laredo, Texas has passed an order requiring that anyone over the age of 5 who enters a building that is not their home cover their mouth and nose with a mask, bandanna, scarf, or other fabric. This rule also will apply to entering offices, use of public transportation, and public gas stations. The penalty for failing to take these steps could be as high as $1000. The City Council had originally mandated that people going outside cover their nose and mouth, but that rule was seen as too broad.

When asked about the severity of the fine, and how many people were suffering financial difficulties, one city council member replied, “I’d rather bury them in debt than bury them in a coffin.”