Masks are required for people in public and in businesses through July.
Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra issued Directive #4 today requiring all people age 10 and older in Killeen to wear face coverings while in public places where six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. It also requires businesses in Killeen to require employees and patrons to wear face coverings while on their premises with certain exceptions. The directive is in effect July 2 through 31, 2020.
“Wearing a mask is a tiny price to pay so that others do not get sick,” Segarra said at a news conference today. He said his decision to issue the mask order was to slow the spread of COVID-19 and was made after consulting with business operators and senior citizens.
The Declaration of Local State of Disaster for Public Health Emergency, which was approved by City Council March 24, 2020, grants the Mayor the authority to issue directives to protect the safety and welfare of the public by slowing the spread of the virus.
Effective at 12:01 a.m. July 2, all people 10 years of age or older must wear a face covering in all public places where six feet of separation cannot be maintained and in all businesses as required. The City continues to stress the importance of staying home when sick, washing hands frequently and keeping social distance from those who are not members of your household.
Exceptions to the face covering mandate are while one is consuming food or drink, exercising, driving alone or with members of the same household, while pumping gas, while operating outdoor equipment and while in certain facilities that utilize surveillance.
Unless otherwise prescribed by executive order of the Governor of Texas, all Killeen businesses that provide goods and services to the public must require, at a minimum, that all employees and visitors wear face coverings when at least six feet of separation cannot be maintained. Businesses are also required to develop and implement a health and safety policy and post it conspicuously within five days. Businesses may refuse service to customers failing to comply.
Individual penalties are not permitted, but businesses that fail to comply may be fined up to $1,000 for each day of violation.
“Please wear a mask, not because it’s mandatory, but because it’s the right thing to do to protect our most vulnerable who have lived a life of protecting us,” Segarra implored the public.
The City of Killeen is requiring masks of all employees and visitors at City facilities.
The full text of Directive #4 along with other important information, updates and resources is available at KilleenTexas.gov/COVID19.