CITY COMMISSION EXTENDS DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 21 TO CURB THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 Facial coverings are also required to be worn in public starting Monday, April 13
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (April 8, 2020) —Mayor Trey Mendez and the rest of the Brownsville City Commission voted unanimously to extended the Second Amended Declaration of Local Disaster until at least April 21, including new provisions to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Other provisions of the declaration will continue to be in place until Tuesday, April 21, 2020, unless otherwise extended.
Facial coverings are required for all individuals over the age of 5 in public settings starting Monday, April 13. Facial coverings may include bandanas and sewn cloth face coverings. The City urges residents to not use surgical or N-95 masks, as these critical supplies should be reserved for healthcare workers and medical first responders.
Other implications of the order include:
- Restaurant employees are required to wear gloves and facial coverings.
- Plasma facilities are limited to 10 people per room and must comply with local, state and federal guidelines
- Child and adult day care centers must not have more than 10 people per room and comply with the 6 foot social distancing requirement.
- No more than 10 individuals may ride a BMetro bus at one time.
- City libraries are closed.
- City events and other public and private community events are canceled until further notice.
- Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who comply with the City issued orders
The city commission also ordered Brownsville Independent School District, charter and private K-12 schools, as well as trade schools, vocational schools, colleges, and universities to close their campuses to students. Schools may continue to distribute meals, and have online or remote classes, as well as summer school.
“Please pay close attention to all of the provisions in this order. They are meant to promote the health and safety of our community,” said Mayor Mendez. “Brownsville is more than a community. It’s a family. We pledge to continue working with our various community partners to prioritize the well-being of our shared community. As I’ve said many times we will get through this, together.”
For more information about the City of Brownsville’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, go to www.btxcares.com.
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