The City of Las Cruces is responding with great concern to the growing number of positive COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks in Dona Ana County. City Council is asking residents to remain vigilant and protective of themselves by continuing to wear a mask, practice social distancing and heed the orders of both the Governor of New Mexico and the Mayor of the City of Las Cruces.
Today, at a special council meeting, City Council extended the Emergency Proclamation enacted by the Mayor, (2020-06), which went into effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
Council also requested additional enforcement measures, if needed, to further encourage the use of masks and face coverings within City limits, in public places, and in businesses. Face covering means a covering made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, that covers the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face. A face covering may be factory-made, or may be handmade and improvised from ordinary household materials.
The City of Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) is further pledging support to enforce the face-covering requirement as specified in the Emergency Proclamation and the Governor’s Public Health Orders. As in past responses to previous Emergency Proclamations and Public Health Orders, LCPD wishes to educate first, and enforce if necessary. Masks will be provided by LCPD if the public does not have one.
As positive COVID-19 cases rapidly increase in Dona Ana County, LCPD must also respond accordingly.