City of Gonzales announces order requiring face coverings

In an effort to mitigate the risk of exposure and spread of COVID19, and at the encouragement of City of Gonzales Medical Director, Dr. Hisey, the City of Gonzales announces a new mandatory order for face coverings, effective 11:59 p.m. April 24, 2020 – 11:59 p.m. April 30, 2020.

Please note the following:

• Cloth face coverings required for all Gonzales residents ages 10+
• Coverings may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas and handkerchiefs
• Coverings must cover nose and mouth
• Required while in a public place and while working in areas with close proximity to others Employers that are exempt from the current order (businesses still open) must provide coverings and training for appropriate use to employees working with the public or in close proximity to co-workers
• Surgical and N95 masks are strongly discouraged in an effort to maintain availability for all frontline healthcare and first responders
• Face coverings do not need to be worn during the following:
• While exercising or during outdoor physical activity
• While driving alone or with members of the same household
• While operating outdoor equipment
• While in a building that requires security surveillance or screening, such as a bank
• When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk

Please continue to be diligent in all other advised precautionary measures of frequent hand washing and sanitizing, social distancing, avoiding all social gatherings, not touching your face and only leaving home for that which is absolutely essential.