Caddo Parish Leaders Consider Emergency Mask Mandate

Caddo Parish leaders are moving forward with a measure that would put a new mask mandate in place.

Caddo Commission President Lyndon Johnson says we have to at least do something to try to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

He says he brought the measure forward

Because I think as elected officials we have to take a stance that our constituents won't like. But with the spike in the numbers, we have to be concerned. This new variant is now affecting our youth. If we don't do anything at all, this will show we don't care about the health of our citizens.

This ordinance would require masks at businesses in the parish where there are more than 50 people.

Johnson says he believes requiring use of masks or appropriate facial coverings in public places will increase the usage of masks and facial coverings and could help stop the spread.

Here's what is included in the Caddo Parish Mask Mandate:

A. Businesses and Establishments with 50 or more indoor occupants, including employees and patrons - Facial Coverings Required. Facial coverings shall be worn by all persons, other than those specifically exempted herein, while obtaining any good or service or visiting or working in any business or establishment.

There are some exemptions to the ordinance including children under two (2) years of age.

The ordinance says businesses shall ensure compliance with this ordinance. Employees will be required to inform each individual who is not wearing a mask that they must put a mask on.

The penalty for a first offense is $250 dollars and each offense after that is $500 dollars.

Johnson says if this mandate passes in the parish, he plans to talk to city leaders about implementing a similar mandate in the city limits of Shreveport.