Las Cruces expands on New Mexico face mask order: City to fine businesses as state fines people

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagashima issued an emergency proclamation Friday that expands upon the face mask order issued by New Mexico's governor.

Earlier this week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered New Mexicans to wear face masks in public places and said people who ignore the mask requirement could be fined $100.

Miyagashima is expanding on that, requiring businesses to mandate to that customers and employees wear face coverings. Those businesses that flout the order can be fined $100 per person not complying inside their establishments.

The mayor's order goes into effect at midnight and contains only three exceptions to the need to wear a mask: Children under the age of three, people with documented health conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask, and those who are eating, drinking or exercising.