A new mandatory protective gear order was enacted by Brooks County Judge Eric Ramos on Thursday.
The order, which was announced and signed April 7, requires folks in Brooks County to have their mouth and nose covered when stepping out in a public space.
For those who need to be in a public place in Brooks County, face masks, homemade masks, bandanas, and/or scarves are allowed, and people over the age of 5 years old must comply.
The goal is to have a noses and mouths covered and protected, since COVID-19 germs can spread by being inhaled.
To stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, Brooks County officials need visitors and residents to follow these orders.
But how do residents feel about the new protective order?
Our KRIS 6 and Action 10 News cameras were able to find that many Brooks County residents agreed with it.
"Think about your family and think about you not wearing a mask, and you (being) outside and then you go back home with your family," said resident Joel Marquez. "You can take anything back."
However, some feel fines for violating the order might be a little overboard: 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine or both!
Some residents say $1,000 for a fine is a lot of money, but the community must realize it is in this fight against COVID-19 together.
“That is a little bit too much," said Brooks County Resident Noemi Arredondo. "People just don’t have that kind of money, but because of that reason and for that reason alone that we don’t have that kind of money you need to pay attention and (do) our part.”
On the other hand, some residents said they agree with the consequences set by Brooks County leaders.
Residents hope this will shake residents and have others wake up and see that the COVID-19 pandemic is a very serious health concern.
“The only reason people will listen, I think that’s a good idea,” said resident Mirella Villarreal.
According to Brooks County, this protective order will remain in effect until further notice.