Face Masks Now Required Inside New Braunfels City Limits, Order Does Not Include River Activities

Face masks are now required inside New Braunfels city limits.

New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman today issued an order, effective immediately, mandating the use of face coverings for anyone over the age of 10 when in public and when the six-foot social distancing standard is difficult to meet.

“Making this decision on behalf of our community is not something that I take lightly,” he said. “But this order comes after a lot of consultation with local health authorities, business leaders, city staff, and fellow (city) council members. Each person I have spoken with has shown great care and concern, not just for their own families, but for the well-being of the residents of this community. The health and safety of our residents is the top priority, and this order is the right thing to do to take care of our community.”

“The health and safety of our residents is the top priority, and this order is the right thing to do to take care of our community.”

So far there is no word on whether Comal County Judge Sherman Krause will issue a similar or any orders for Comal County residents who live in unincorporated parts of the county. The order does not affect anyone engaging in river activities inside city limits such as tubing, swimming, kayaking, etc.

Texas Tubes alerted customers they will be required to use face masks inside shuttle buses.

All commercial entities in New Braunfels that provide goods or services directly to the public must implement a health-and-safety policy that requires all employees and visitors to wear face coverings whenever separation of six feet or greater is not feasible.

Businesses have until Sunday, June 28 to develop and implement a policy that goes into effect on June 29.

Face coverings include homemade masks, scarves, bandanas and handkerchiefs.

Exceptions

Face coverings are not required

• When exercising outside or engaging in outdoor physical activities including tubing, swimming and kayaking;
• Driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same household as the driver;
• When doing so would pose a greater mental health, physical health, safety or security risk;
• When pumping gas or operating outdoor equipment;
• While inside a building or participating in an activity that requires security surveillance or screening, for example, banks;
• When consuming food or beverages.

Mayor’s Advisory Group to Reopen New Braunfels

In a statement, City of New Braunfels said a Mayor’s Advisory Group to Reopen New Braunfels, comprised of business representatives from industry, was consulted before Brockman signed the order.

The group recommended additional measures to help slow the spread of the virus locally.