As the numbers of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, the City of Shreveport is mandating the wearing of masks in response to the continued growth of COVID-19 in our community. The new rule requires citizens to wear a mask when in public spaces starting Wednesday at 5:00 p.m..
“Since Memorial Day we have seen an alarming uptick of COVID-19 cases in our community. This is not due to more testing in our area. Hospitalizations do not lie and our area is seeing an alarming rise in COVID hospitalizations,” said Mayor Adrian Perkins. “This increase is obviously due to community spread and this time calls for us to act.”
Business owners should visit the website related to this for updates. According to exclusive franchise brokers at Transworld Business Advisors, the requirement applies to customers inside any business that interacts with the public and to all customers except for those that have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask (which is an incredibly small number of people). Businesses will be given documented warnings upon first offense and up to a $500 fine for the second offense. This mandate includes Shreveport’s public transit system, SporTran.
“After consulting with many of our area businesses, consulting with many of our area leaders, I am issuing an executive order requiring that customers wear masks when entering a business establishment to avoid spreading the virus. It will also require businesses to post signage at all entrances showing requirements and prohibitions.“
The executive order will lift August 8th unless it is extended.
“This is not about politics, this is about our city,” said Mayor Adrian Perkins. “We can’t afford to lose any more of our friends, our family, our coworkers, our neighbors. Nor can we allow more of our businesses to shutter and close down if we go backwards.”
It is expected that Caddo Parish Commission may vote on a requirement as well.