El Paso Officials Considering Making Wearing Face Masks Mandatory

Could El Paso’s Stay Home Work Safe order be amended to require you to wear face covering when out in public? It’s something city and county officials are considering.

Speaking about the city’s stepped-up order enforcement efforts on Mike and Tricia Mornings (93.1 KISS-FM), Mayor Dee Margo said requiring essential business employees wear a face mask is something that has come up.

“Right now, it’s encouraged,” Margo told Mike and Tricia. “But we’re getting feedback people are uncomfortable going in to these essential businesses in which they’re not wearing masks.” He added he and County Judge Ricardo Samaniego recently discussed amending the directive to require essential business employees wear face covering.

What about the prospect of ordering the entire community to wear face coverings when out in public?

“Yes, it is a possibility,” the mayor replied. “I’m hopeful we don’t have to mandate that. [The current order] is strong enough to me if people would just abide by it.”

Right now, a cloth mask when out and about is only a recommendation. Only Fort Bliss currently requires everyone to wear a mask or face covering before being allowed entry onto the base or into any building or facility on Ft. Bliss.

In the state of Texas, the cities of Dallas, San Antonio, and Laredo, and Travis County (Austin) and Hidalgo and Willlacy County in South Texas have orders in place making face coverings mandatory in public places or face a $1,000 fine.