Should NE Follow Texas and Fine People for Not Wearing Masks?

Could it happen in New England? Time.com reports on the Texas City of Laredo where if you do not wear a mask when venturing outdoors you could face a fine of up to $1,000. The city’s emergency mandate went into effect on April 2. Do you think you should be required to wear a mask by law or mandate?

Personally, I don’t think that kind of thing is gonna fly here in the “live free or die” area. The city of Laredo mandate states that every person over the age of five must wear “some form of covering over their nose and mouth” when using public transportation, pumping gas or entering a public building.

That face-covering doesn’t need to be a mask but can be a homemade mask, a scarf or a bandana according to Time.com. The rule goes on to further state that wearing a face-covering does not apply where it would pose a health, safety or security risk to the individual. Laredo, Texas has had at least 85 confirmed cases and recorded 5 deaths. This drastic measure seems to have shocked residents of the town where one-third of the population lives below the poverty line.

I just ordered a mask online and I have no idea when it will get to me. My wife has been making homemade masks so thank goodness she can sew and get me one. Still, a fine of $1,000 for not wearing a face-covering seems extreme. I don’t think that is coming anytime soon to our area, but I never thought I would see the beaches and restaurants closed either. Masks or no masks? What are your thoughts?