The Laredo City Council took several actions and issued a new Emergency Ordinance during a special city council meeting on March 31 in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Those actions included extending the mayor’s emergency order, adding a daily curfew for all residents, and implementing a requirement for residents to cover their noses and mouths when required as stated below.
The council approved an extension of the mayor’s emergency order until April 30, 2020.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2020, a curfew will be implemented for all residents from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily. Residents will be required to stay in their homes during this time and may only leave for essential trips and necessities. Those who must work during those hours will be exempt from this ordinance, but must show proof such as an I.D. or a letter from their employer. Laredo Police Officers will be enforcing this ordinance and may use their discretion. The penalty for a violation of this section shall be a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or confinement in jail for a period not exceeding 180 days.
Also beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2020, all persons over the age of five (5) are required to wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, when: entering into or inside of any building open to the public; when using public transportation, taxis, or ride shares; or when pumping gas. This does not apply when a person is: engaging in a permissible outside physical activity; that is riding in a personal vehicle; that is alone in a separate single space; that is with their own shelter group (household members); when doing so poses a greater health, safety or security risk; or for consumption purposes. The penalty for a violation of this section shall be a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00
The City Council also approved a motion to stop all sales and auctions due to delinquent city taxes for the months of April and May.
See details on the ordinances here: https://www.cityoflaredo.com/assets/03-31-20_Amended_Emergency_Ordinance_.pdf
The City of Laredo has implemented unprecedented measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health. For more information on COVID-19, visitwww.cityoflaredo.com/coronavirus.html.
