Round Rock lowers emergency mask ordinance fine following substantial compliance

Frequent violators of Round Rock's emergency ordinance requiring face masks in public will now only face a maximum fine of $200, following action by Round Rock City Council on July 9.

Ahead of council's unanimous vote, Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan said he has seen significant adherence to the emergency ordinance's provisions since it went into effect at midnight June 30.

As per council's June 29 decision, face coverings are required of people while in most public spaces within the city. Along with mandating face coverings, council also declared a public health emergency, required a notice to be posted by commercial entities at the entrance of their business and outlined penalties for failure to comply.

The initial language of the ordinance read that first violations would result in a verbal or written warning. Additional violations could result in fines between $200 and $1,000. As of July 9, the maximum figure is now $200.

The approved ordinance applies to anyone age 10 and older while in public spaces when sufficient social distancing is not possible. ​The requirement to wear face coverings does not apply to the following situations.

• ​​When exercising or engaging in physical activity
• When in a building or participating in an activity that requires security surveillance or screening, such as banks
• While consuming food or drink
• When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk
• When outside with a group of only members of a single household
• When other mitigation strategies, such as plexiglass, provide adequate separation

More information on the amended ordinance is available here.