An ordinance that calls for requiring McKinley County residents to wear masks in public to slow the community spread of COVID-19 was brought back before the Board of Commissioners during their May 5 meeting.
The ordinance had previously been brought up at an April 30 special meeting, but no action was taken on it at the time.
The purpose of the ordinance is to provide aid to essential businesses that choose to require patrons, employees and persons on their property and the adjacent public areas to wear and use masks or face coverings to slow the spread of the virus.
People who are caught violating the ordinance will be subject to a penalty fine of between $100-300 per offense.
Previously, the use of face masks was discussed by the Board of Commissioners, but was tabled due to questions of how the county could enforce the rule.
“A number of businesses in the Gallup area are already self-regulating the use of [mask] requirements to enter their premises, which I think is what we would like to see,” Chairperson Billy Moore said.
Moore added the businesses enforcing the mask rule rather than it being done through government control was what the board wanted to see.
“This is a well-worded ordinance, and one that will help our businesses’ owners now and moving forward,” Commissioner Bill Lee said.
The use of masks in businesses is likely going to be a requirement for the state to reopen down the road, Lee added.
An ordinance like the one presented to the board would only apply to the county and not any municipalities within it, such as the City of Gallup, County Attorney Doug Decker said.
“With the way the ordinance is written, we would give them the authority to enact the ordinance if so desired by each business, unless directed by the governor as restrictions are eased,” Moore said.
The ordinance was adopted with a 3-0 vote.
By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent
