Odessa Extends Mask Mandate By The Mayor For Another Week

Odessa businesses are still requiring masks to all patrons but the mask mandate is only good for 7 days.

According to NewsWest 9, Odessa City Council extended the mask mandate for another 7 days and will likely do it again next week since cases in the area are spiking.

The governor's mask mandate was not being enforced until the mayor made a local mask mandate.

Odessa City Council unanimously agreed that the mask mandate must be enforced.

"I just think it's something that we unfortunately have to do I hate it I don't like it. I feel boxed in but I think its something that we have to do," said Steven Thompson, Odessa City Councilman for District 2.

Extending the declarations is a way for the city to show support for local hospitals.

"We can take them dinners and thank them but we can't do their job so I believe that it is incumbent now that we send a message that says we get it we understand we know we can't do everything but we can do something and this is something we can do," said Thompson.

The declaration requires all employees and customers of businesses to wear a mask.

Businesses that do not follow the declaration will be warned the first time and then fined $250 for each offense after that.