El Paso Leaders Issue Directive Requiring Face Masks in City, County Facilities

City and county leaders announced they will continue requiring residents wear masks when entering a city or county facility.

The El Paso County Stay Safe Order No. 16 and City of El Paso Seventh Local Emergency Directive share similar language mandating masks when setting foot in a city or county building. The city’s directive extends to the airport and Sun Metro vehicles.

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"Wearing a mask is a small inconvenience that is no different than wearing a seatbelt,” County Judge Ricardo Samaniego stated in a news release.

We must each do our part to save as many lives as we can. Public health measures are being relaxed too soon before El Paso can reach community immunity. We cannot afford to see another spike in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Mayor Leeser echoed the county judge’s concerns in a city press release announcing its updated directive.

Our goal is to keep our community safe, and to ensure that we maintain a low hospitalization rate, by encouraging all our citizens to continue to follow the precautionary measures that have worked for us thus far – washing your hands often, practicing social-distancing and wearing a face mask. The City of El Paso will adhere to the Governor’s directive. That said, we will continue to require staff and visitors to wear face masks at City-owned facilities, on airport grounds and in Sun Metro vehicles. We will be measured and responsible to ensure the safety of the staff and the public who use our services.