City of Marlin considering mask requirement

It was announced today, June 23, that the City of Marlin will possibly be mandating that places of business require patrons to wear facial coverings. 

An email was distributed to stakeholders and businesses Monday evening from Mayor Carolyn Lofton herself. 

“We need to initiate measures to slow the spread,” she says in the email. “Per Governor Abbott, the State is recommending that we utilize options available to us that include requiring the use of masks in establishments.”

Many surrounding counties have begun implementing the same processes, namely the City of Waco, whose mandate was put in place on June 19.

After careful observation of businesses around town, Lofton says she realized there was a distinct lack of masks worn by the public. 

“By enforcing the use of masks, it allows establishments to remain open as opposed to having to close as we did previously," she stated. “I support the ability to move freely and conduct business in a normal fashion but we must also consider the responsibility to help control the virus running rampant within our community at this time.”

Measures are expected to be put in place by the State of Texas if they deemed necessary due to lack of local control concerning the subject. 

The decision of how to move forward will come in time, as Lofton awaits feedback from Falls County officials, local Emergency Management, and the Local Health Authority for Falls County.

If put in place, businesses will have the right to refuse service to anyone who attempts to enter without proper attire.

It is not yet known if there will be any fines attached to ignoring the mandate, nor whether it will be enforced by local law enforcement.

More information will be released as available. Head to www.marlindemocrat.com for the most up-to-date information concerning COVID-19 in Falls County and the city of Marlin.