Las Cruces City Council votes to keep face mask mandate carrying fines for businesses

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Las Cruces City Council on Monday evening voted 7-0 to keep in effect Mayor Ken Miyagashima's emergency proclamation on face masks that was signed Friday.

Miyagashima's order requires businesses to mandate to that customers and employees wear face coverings. Those businesses that flout the order can be fined $100 per person, up to $500, for not complying inside their establishments.

The mayor's order 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.

The Las Cruces order expanded upon the face mask rule issued by New Mexico's governor.

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

The state order allows for individuals to be fined for non-compliance, while the Las Cruces measure adds fines for businesses.