El Paso leaders warn against social gatherings this Mother’s Day weekend

EL PASO, Texas -- It goes without saying El Paso is a family oriented city, especially when it comes to our mothers. However, local leaders say the biggest act of love one can do for their mother during the outbreak of Covid-19 is keeping our distance.

"Show your love by calling by video conference or by shouting by the street but please don’t expose her to the virus," El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz said.

The Bishop is asking for residents to respect social distancing guidelines as there are now fears the city may face even more Covid-19 cases if folks begin to gather in mass to celebrate mom.

This would not be the first time an uptick in cases was reported after a holiday. After Easter Sunday, the city reported 74 positive cases of Covid-19, just 12 days after the holiday. El Paso Mayor Dee Margo fears a similar outcome may be possible again.

"If the numbers continue to rise and we have continued issues here then Judge (Ricardo) Samaniego and I will have a conversation as early as next Monday with the governor’s office about potentially limiting even more (business) expansion," El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said.

The city also plans to have a Covid-19 Taskforce ready to respond to violations of social gatherings. Violators who decide to gather in mass to celebrate mom face up to a $500 fine. It is important to note that city parks also remain off limits during this time, violators will be asked to leave and may also face a fine.

The city urges all residents to dial 3-1-1 to report any violations of social gatherings.